Magical cures for snakebites still take place in some rural parts of India. Throughout history and up until today the subcontinent has dealt with many breeds of poisonous serpents. Forging a long and complex relationship with them. Hindu’s still worship snakes in temples as well as in their natural habitat – making offerings of milk, incense and prayers. A division in the eastern and western mindset of prayer. Showing how prayer, or in my opinion – contemplation, can be best directed towards our natural environment. Whereas a snake in a strict Christian viewpoint could simply represent evil and the devil. Could there be a more ritual and spiritual connection to a snake? the other night I dreamt twice in the same night about snakes. Are they a necessary evil? Hindus consider the snake as a divine entity that represent eternity. As the snake represents both life and death and in turn time and the timeless. The snake could also represent three processes of creation – the birth of creation, preservation and destruction. Hindu folklore and literature associate’s snakes with divinities such as Vishnu, Shiva amongst others. Including Indra who controls the snake world. Other tales include Vasuki the king of snakes who played a vital role in the churning of the oceans. Snake poison has been used throughout time as palace intrigues and warfare. Another difference in eastern and western thought, as the values of the west rely heavily on its attention to history, monarchs and warfare. The east tends to place more emphasis on the cycle of life, death and repetition. However, death and destruction that the snake can bring can be linked to Tamas – The destructive tendency. This could be a direct link between human suffering caused by snakebites, the adversity placed on families. Note that the game snakes and ladders was invented in ancient India. However, snakes worn around the body represent purity – perfection in speech and self-control.
Anata – Infinity
In the Bhagavadgita – Krishna declares “among the serpents I am Ananta” the divine snake with endless coils floating in the waters of creation – upon which the Brahman rests. Thus, representing the infinite eternal and primal energy. Upon this activation of materiality smaller deities and realities can manifest and be experienced through out senses. This serpent below Vishnu is the primal Prakriti. Sitting at the feet of Vishnu being activated in which it floats on the waters of the ocean, this representing unmanifested Brahman.
Kama – Desire
Just as those who are bitten by snakes are vulnerable to suffering and death, those who are bitten by desires suffer from cycles of births and deaths.
Kundalini energy
Based in the Muldhara Chakara and is comparable to a coiled snake. A metaphor for sexual arousal. When the body is subjected to austerities and purification through celibacy – and other practices, the head generated in the process then activates Kundalini energy. Then the serpent ascends through the chakras until it reaches the highest chakra – the Saharara. Where a yogi then experiences enlightenment and the highest bliss, aka the source of love.
Naga – A class of demigods
The Naga are semi divine beings, known as Patala. That protect hidden treasures in the earth and even can take human form. By nature, they are good, but at times they can be destructive and vengeful if disrespected. Hindus believe that certain curses arise from aggrieved snake deities and can result in death, sickness and other misfortunes.
Kala – The death of time
The snakes represent unexpected death and misfortune in this instance. As Rudra or Shiva are the healers – as outlined in the Veda’s. Thus, being the gods of medicine who protect worshippers from death and destruction. Hinduism considers our world a manifestation of death (kala) who is also known as time, and kala devours everything in its path. Placing snakes as a representation of Kala and thereby time.
Prana
Naga being used in Hindu texts are to reference outward breathing – or Apana, the energy flow throughout. Just as a snake or a serpent can move below the earth undetected. Apana moves through various channels and exits through holes in the body. Ultimately representing a flow of function between your body and mind.
18.27 