SHESHNAAG, A MULTIHEAD SNAKE IS MYTH OR REALITY?

SheshNaag: The King of Snakes

According to the Hindu mythology Sheshnag means the king of snakes. It is believed that Sheshnaag lives in Shaeshnaag lake and the lake was dug by Sheshnag himself. It is believed by the Hindus that Sheshnag stays in this Lake even today. It is one of the most ancient places of pilgrimage for the Hindus, as it lies on the track of Amarnath cave.

Seshnag is a large thousand-headed serpent often referred to as the king of all serpents in Hindu mythology. Though the creature is not evil its description is a bit weird. According to the myth, it is said that all the planets of the universe are located on its heads and each time he shifts Earth from one head to another an earthquake takes place. It is said that when he uncoils, time moves forward and creation takes place. When he coils back, the universe ceases to exist.

Myths or Religious Importance

This mythical 5 headed-snake stands with its fangs open over the head of Lord Vishnu. The coiled body of the snake forms the throne on which Lord Vishnu is reclining. Thus, this snake is is worshipped by Hindus as it is the seat of Lord Vishnu. It is said that Sheshnag took avatar with Lord Vishnu on several occasions. When Vishnu took the Ram Avatar, Sheshnag took avatar as Laxman.

When it was time for Bhagavan to reappear Krishna Sheshnag said that this time I would like to be the elder brother as the elder brother always gets better attention. Bhagavan agreed to that and Sheshnag’s avatar was Balram while Lord Vishnu came on earth as Krishna. When Vasudeva was braving torrential to carry baby Krishna across the river to Gokul (to keep him safe), the Sheshnag rose from the river and shaded them like an umbrella.

Both the Devas (Gods) and Asuras (Demons) wanted ‘amrit’ (elixir or eternal life), but to get it, they had to whip up the great seas of the world (Samudra manthan). The Sheshnag had then become the rope with which the seas were churned.