| Nagalakshmi | |
|---|---|
Queen of the Serpents[1] | |
| Affiliation | Vaishnavism,Lakshmi |
| Abode | Vaikuntha |
| Texts | Garga Samhita |
| Genealogy | |
| Spouse | Shesha |
Nagalakshmi (Sanskrit:नागलक्ष्मी,romanized: nāgalakṣmī) is a serpent goddess and the wife ofShesha, anagaraja (king of theserpents) and one of the twomounts ofVishnu featured inHindu mythology. She is considered to be the personification of the divine ocean called theKshira Sagara.[2]
Nagalakshmi's legend is mainly found in theGarga Samhita. In this, theKshira Sagara is personified as her. In Chapter 3 of theBalabhadra Khanda of theGarga Samhita, it is mentioned that she incarnated on earth along with her husband.[3][4]
The Kshira Sagara is the fifth from the centre of the seven oceans. It surrounds the continent known as Krauncha.[5] According to Hindu scriptures, thedevas andasuras worked together for a millennium to churn this ocean in order to acquireamrita, the elixir of immortal life.[6] It is described as the place where the deityVishnu reclines over his serpent-mount Shesha, accompanied by his consort,Lakshmi.[7]
In theTreta Yuga, she incarnated asUrmila, the wife ofLakshmana. She was born as the daughter of KingJanaka ofMithila and QueenSunayana. She played a prominent role in the Hindu epicRamayana.[8][9] When Shesha's avatar Lakshmana went to exile with Rama (Vishnu's avatar), Urmila slept continuously for fourteen years so that her husband could serve his brother without requiring sleep, an episode known as Urmila Nidra.[10][11]
In theDvapara Yuga, she was born asRevati, the wife ofBalarama and the daughter of KingKakudmi ofKushasthali.[12] However, in traditions where Balarama is identified with Vishnu, Revati is regarded to be a form ofLakshmi.[13]
In theGarga Samhita, the sage Pradipika recounts the attributes of Nagalakshmi:[14]
Following this, the radiant Nagalakshmi, glowing with the brilliance of countless autumn moons, arrived on a magnificent chariot, accompanied by millions of her companions whose radiance was ever-increasing. She approached the great Sankarshana and expressed her desire,Lord, I also wish to accompany you on Earth. The thought of being separated from you would afflict me so deeply that I wouldn't be able to bear it. Nagalakshmi was overwhelmed with emotion.
Lord Ananta (Shesha), who is the ultimate cause behind all causes in the entire universe, whose very nature is to alleviate the sorrows of devotees, and whose divine form resembles the great serpent Airavata, comforted his beloved. He said,O Rambhoru! Do not grieve. Descend to Earth and merge with the body of Revati. There, you will serve me.
Upon hearing this, Nagalakshmi inquired,Who is Revati? Whose daughter is she, and where does she reside? Please tell me in detail. Hearing this, Lord Ananta, with a smile, explained,It is the story of the beginning of creation. I, born as the son of the sage Kashyapa from Kadru's womb, took a formidable form.
— Garga Samhita, Chapter 3
The Ananthankavu Nagalakshmi Temple, located inThiruvananthapuram,Kerala, is known for its environmental sensitivity and association with snakes. It stands as the sole sacred grove (surppakavu) housing ancient 1000-year-old idols of Nagalakshmi and Nagaraja Ananthan.[15]
In thesnake worship traditions ofTai folk religion andanimism in Thailand, she is known as Usa Ananwati (พระนางอุษาอนันตวดี) and is regarded as the spouse ofShesha. She is regularly honored in local worship ceremonies.
Among the Nagini in Thai snake worship, she is the second most revered figure, following Lady Sri Pathumma Nagini (ย่าศรีปทุมมา), the wife of Shri Sutho Naga (ปู่ศรีสุทโธ) of Kham Chanod Forest inBan Dung district,Udon Thani province,Isan, Thailand. Kham Chanod is considered the spiritual center of snake worship in Thai folk beliefs.
Numerous shrines across Thailand are dedicated to her as a guardian deity, with one of the most notable being Wat Tham Dao Khao Kaeo (วัดถ้ำดาวเขาแก้ว) in Lam Phaya Klang subdistrict,Muak Lek district,Saraburi province.[16][17], Wat Laem Maklue (วัดแหลมมะเกลือ) , Sam Ngaam Subdistrict , Don Tum District , Nakhon Pathom Province.,Wat Thum Wang Pha Phaya Nakaraj (วัดถ้ำวังผาพญานาคราช), Huai Phai Subdistrict , Khong Chiam District, Ubon Ratchathani Province. , Wat Phang Muang (วัดพังม่วง) , Si Prachan Subdistrict , Si Prachan District , Suphan Buri.[18][19][20] , Wat Pa Phu Chan Hom (วัดป่าภูจันทร์หอม) , Ban Non Muang Wan , Kham Lo Subdistrict , Chai Wan District , Udon Thani Province.[21][22]
