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{{Short description|Consort of Shesha in Hinduism}} | |||
{{Infobox deity | {{Infobox deity | ||
| type = Hindu | | type = Hindu | ||
| name = Nagalakshmi | | name = Nagalakshmi | ||
| caption = | | deity_of = Nagas<ref>{{Citation|title=Naga Cults and Traditions in the Western Himalaya|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Xd50t19YpJEC|first=Om Chanda|last=Handa|publisher=Indus Publishing|year=2004|isbn=978-8173871610}}</ref> | ||
| affiliation = [[Vaishnavism]] | | caption = | ||
| abode = [[ | | affiliation = [[Vaishnavism]], [[Lakshmi]] | ||
| abode = [[Vaikuntha]] | |||
| spouse = [[Shesha]] | | spouse = [[Shesha]] | ||
| | | texts = [[Garga Samhita (Vaishnavite text)|Garga Samhita]] | ||
}} | }} | ||
''' | {{Vaishnavism}} | ||
'''Balabhadra | |||
''' | '''Nagalakshmi''' ({{Langx|sa|नागलक्ष्मी|translit=nāgalakṣmī}}) is a Naga goddess and the wife of [[Shesha]], a ''[[nagaraja]]'' (king of the [[Nāga|serpents]]) and one of the two [[Vahana|mounts]] of [[Vishnu]] featured in Hindu Sanatan Dharma devotional, spiritual and religious texts. She is considered to be the personification of the divine ocean called the [[Kshira Sagara]].<ref>{{cite book |title=Garga Saṁhita |date=2006 |publisher=Rasbihari Lal & Sons |isbn=978-81-87812-98-2 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nkv9PgAACAAJ&q=naga+lakshmi+garg+samhita |language=en}}</ref> | ||
== Legend == | |||
[[File:Vishnu and Lakshmi on Shesha Naga, ca 1870.jpg|thumb|[[Vishnu]] and [[Lakshmi]] on [[Shesha]] over the Kshira Sagara]] | |||
Nagalakshmi's legend is mainly found in the ''[[Garga Samhita (Vaishnavite text)|Garga Samhita]]''. In this, the [[Kshira Sagara]] is personified as her. In Chapter 3 of the ''Balabhadra Khanda'' of the ''Garga Samhita'', it is mentioned that she incarnated on earth along with her husband.<ref name="c">{{cite book |last1=Raj |first1=Selva J. |last2=Dempsey |first2=Corinne G. |title=Sacred Play: Ritual Levity and Humor in South Asian Religions |date=12 January 2010 |publisher=State University of New York Press |isbn=978-1-4384-2981-6 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hEJ-vMgbSlwC&q=%C2%A0Nagalakshmi&pg=PA43 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Śrīgargasaṃhitā: Kīrtibhāṣāsārasahitā |date=2000 |publisher=Vyāsa Bālābakṣa Śodhasaṃsthāna |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=r3PXAAAAMAAJ&q=%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%B2%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%80 |language=sa}}</ref> | |||
The Kshira Sagara is the fifth from the centre of the seven oceans. It surrounds the continent known as Krauncha.<ref>D. Dennis Hudson: The body of God: an emperor's palace for Krishna in eighth-century Kanchipuram, Oxford University Press US, 2008, {{ISBN|978-0-19-536922-9}}, pp.164-168</ref> According to Hindu scriptures, the [[Deva (Hinduism)|devas]] and [[asuras]] worked together for a millennium to churn this ocean in order to acquire [[amrita]], the elixir of immortal life.<ref>{{cite web|title=Churning the Ocean of Milk by Michael Buckley|url=http://www.veloasia.com/library/buckley/churning_milk.html}}</ref> It is described as the place where the deity [[Vishnu]] reclines over his serpent-mount Shesha, accompanied by his consort, [[Lakshmi]].<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Jones |first1=Constance |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OgMmceadQ3gC&dq=Vishnu+ocean+of+milk&pg=PA288 |title=Encyclopedia of Hinduism |last2=Ryan |first2=James D. |date=2006 |publisher=Infobase Publishing |isbn=978-0-8160-7564-5 |pages=288 |language=en}}</ref> | |||
== Incarnations == | |||
[[File:The four sons of Dasaratha circumbulate the altar during their marriage rites.jpg|thumb|upright|The wedding ceremony of Urmila and Lakshmana]] | |||
In the [[Treta Yuga]], she incarnated as [[Urmila]], the wife of [[Lakshman]]a. She was born as the daughter of King [[Janaka]] of [[History of Mithila|Mithila]] and Queen [[Sunayana (Ramayana)|Sunayana]]. She played a prominent role in the Hindu epic ''[[Ramayana]]''.<ref>{{cite book|author=Praśānta Guptā|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RazqpUWg3KYC&pg=PA32|title=Vālmīkī Rāmāyaṇa|publisher=Dreamland Publications|year=1998|isbn=9788173012549|pages=32}}</ref><ref>{{cite book | |||
|last=MacFie | |||
|first=J. M. | |||
|title=The Ramayan Of Tulsidas Or The Bible Of Northern India | |||
|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=AbG4yfdE1b4C&pg=PA115 | |||
|date=1 May 2004 | |||
|publisher=Kessinger Publishing | |||
|isbn=978-1-4179-1498-2}}</ref> 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''.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/education/student/Urmila-The-Sleeping-Princess/2014/03/28/article2134735.ece | title=Urmila, The Sleeping Princess | work=[[Indian Express]] | date=28 March 2014 | access-date=1 June 2016 | author=Reeja Radhakrishnan | place=Chennai | archive-date=25 June 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160625064009/http://www.newindianexpress.com/education/student/Urmila-The-Sleeping-Princess/2014/03/28/article2134735.ece | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Sleeping beauty: The unsung sacrifice of Urmila|url=https://www.thehindu.com/society/history-and-culture/the-unsung-sacrifice-of-urmila/article19369516.ece|work=The Hindu|accessdate=29 November 2023}}</ref> | |||
[[File:Revati Hindu Lady.jpg|thumb|upright=0.3|A portrait of [[Revati]]]] | |||
In the [[Dvapara Yuga]], she was born as [[Revati]], the wife of [[Balaram]]a and the daughter of King [[Kakudmi]] of [[Dvārakā|Kushasthali]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Dalal |first=Roshen |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zrk0AwAAQBAJ&dq=balarama+dashavatara&pg=PT412 |title=Hinduism: An Alphabetical Guide |date=2014-04-18 |publisher=Penguin UK |isbn=978-81-8475-277-9 |language=en}}</ref> However, in traditions where Balarama is identified with Vishnu, Revati is regarded to be a form of [[Lakshmi]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Gupta |first=Sanjukta |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1BoVAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA47 |title=LAKSMI TANTRA |date=1972-01-01 |publisher=Brill Archive |pages=47 |language=en}}</ref> | |||
==Literature== | |||
In the ''[[Garga Samhita (Vaishnavite text)|Garga Samhita]]'', the sage Pradipika recounts the attributes of Nagalakshmi:<ref>{{cite book |last1=Swami |first1=HH Lokanath |title=व्रजमण्डल दर्शन: तीस दिवसीय परिक्रमा के अनुभव |date=20 August 2020 |publisher=Padayatra Press |isbn=978-93-5267-307-0 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=moX4DwAAQBAJ&dq=%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%B2%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%80&pg=PT443 |language=hi}}</ref> | |||
{{Blockquote|text=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.''|title=[[Garga Samhita (Vaishnavite text)|Garga Samhita]]|source=Chapter 3}} | |||
==Worship== | |||
The Ananthankavu Nagalakshmi Temple, located in [[Thiruvananthapuram]], [[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.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ananthankavu Naga Lakshmi Temple |url=https://www.holyprasadam.com/temples/details/412 |website=Holy Prasadam}}</ref> | |||
== Beyond the Indian subcontinent and Hinduism == | |||
In the [[snake worship]] traditions of [[Tai folk religion]] and [[animism]] in Thailand, she is known as Usa Ananwati (พระนางอุษาอนันตวดี) and is regarded as the spouse of [[Shesha]]. 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 in [[Ban 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]].,<ref>{{cite news |title=วัดถ้ำดาวเขาแก้ว ชมเสน่ห์ถ้ำสวย ตามรอยความเชื่อพญานาค |url=https://www.paiduaykan.com/%E0%B8%A7%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%94%E0%B8%96%E0%B9%89%E0%B8%B3%E0%B8%94%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A7%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%82%E0%B8%B2%E0%B9%81%E0%B8%81%E0%B9%89%E0%B8%A7/ |work=www.paiduaykan.com |date=26 June 2020 |language=th}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=เปิดประสบการณ์ลี้ลับ สัมผัสตำนานความเชื่อ – Tourism Product |url=https://tourismproduct.tourismthailand.org/2023/03/02/%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%9B%E0%B8%B4%E0%B8%94%E0%B8%9B%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B0%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%9A%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%93%E0%B9%8C%E0%B8%A5%E0%B8%B5%E0%B9%89%E0%B8%A5%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%9A-%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%9C%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%95%E0%B8%B3%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%84%E0%B8%A7%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A1%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%8A%E0%B8%B7%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%AD/ |website=tourismproduct.tourismthailand.org}}</ref> 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.,<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.amarintv.com/lotto/news/193788 | title=ส่องเลขเด็ด หางประทัด ก่อนหวยออก งานบวงสรวงองค์พญาอนันตนาคราช | date=30 October 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://today.line.me/th/v2/article/ZamwonP | title=แห่ลุ้นเลขหางประทัด พิธีบวงสรวงอนันตนาคราช 9 เศียรใหญ่ที่สุดในสุพรรณ | มุมข่าว }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://siamrath.co.th/n/488905 | title=ปชช.แห่ลุ้นเลขหางประทัดพิธีบวงสรวงอนันตนาคราช 9 เศียรใหญ่ที่สุดในสุพรรณ | date=30 October 2023 }}</ref> Wat Pa Phu Chan Hom (วัดป่าภูจันทร์หอม), Ban Non Muang Wan, Kham Lo Subdistrict, Chai Wan District, Udon Thani Province.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://today.line.me/th/v2/article/60zBj76 | title=บวงสรวงใหญ่พญาอนันตนาคราช ชาวบ้านแห่ร่วมพิธีแน่นวัด คอเลขไม่พลาดตัวเลขจากพ่อจ้ำ | สยามนิวส์ }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://mgronline.com/travel/detail/9660000083176#google_vignette | title="เกรซ กาญจน์กล้า" ยกให้ "พญานาค" วัดป่าภูจันทร์หอม "ทรงพระ gorgeous" ที่สุดที่เคยไป! | date=14 September 2023 }}</ref> | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
{{reflist}} | {{reflist}} | ||
[[Category: | |||
==External links== | |||
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20060422191457/http://spirituality.indiatimes.com/articleshow/953344.cms Ananta Shesha - The Legendary Serpent] | |||
[[Category:Hindu goddesses]] | |||
[[Category:Vaishnavism]] | |||
[[Category:Snake goddesses]] | |||
[[Category:Nāgas]] | |||
Latest revision as of 10:56, 19 January 2026
| Nagalakshmi | |
|---|---|
Nagas[1] | |
| Affiliation | Vaishnavism, Lakshmi |
| Abode | Vaikuntha |
| Texts | Garga Samhita |
| Personal information | |
| Spouse | Shesha |
| Part of a series on |
| Vaishnavism |
|---|
 |
 Hinduism portal |
Nagalakshmi (Script error: The function "langx" does not exist.) is a Naga goddess and the wife of Shesha, a nagaraja (king of the serpents) and one of the two mounts of Vishnu featured in Hindu Sanatan Dharma devotional, spiritual and religious texts. She is considered to be the personification of the divine ocean called the Kshira Sagara.[2]
Legend[edit | edit source]
Nagalakshmi's legend is mainly found in the Garga Samhita. In this, the Kshira Sagara is personified as her. In Chapter 3 of the Balabhadra Khanda of the Garga 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, the devas and asuras worked together for a millennium to churn this ocean in order to acquire amrita, the elixir of immortal life.[6] It is described as the place where the deity Vishnu reclines over his serpent-mount Shesha, accompanied by his consort, Lakshmi.[7]
Incarnations[edit | edit source]
In the Treta Yuga, she incarnated as Urmila, the wife of Lakshmana. She was born as the daughter of King Janaka of Mithila and Queen Sunayana. She played a prominent role in the Hindu epic Ramayana.[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 the Dvapara Yuga, she was born as Revati, the wife of Balarama and the daughter of King Kakudmi of Kushasthali.[12] However, in traditions where Balarama is identified with Vishnu, Revati is regarded to be a form of Lakshmi.[13]
Literature[edit | edit source]
In the Garga 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
Worship[edit | edit source]
The Ananthankavu Nagalakshmi Temple, located in Thiruvananthapuram, 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]
Beyond the Indian subcontinent and Hinduism[edit | edit source]
In the snake worship traditions of Tai folk religion and animism in Thailand, she is known as Usa Ananwati (พระนางอุษาอนันตวดี) and is regarded as the spouse of Shesha. 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 in Ban 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]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ Handa, Om Chanda (2004), Naga Cults and Traditions in the Western Himalaya, Indus Publishing, ISBN 978-8173871610
- ↑ Garga Saṁhita. Rasbihari Lal & Sons. 2006. ISBN 978-81-87812-98-2.
- ↑ Raj, Selva J.; Dempsey, Corinne G. (12 January 2010). Sacred Play: Ritual Levity and Humor in South Asian Religions. State University of New York Press. ISBN 978-1-4384-2981-6.
- ↑ Śrīgargasaṃhitā: Kīrtibhāṣāsārasahitā (in संस्कृतम्). Vyāsa Bālābakṣa Śodhasaṃsthāna. 2000.
- ↑ D. Dennis Hudson: The body of God: an emperor's palace for Krishna in eighth-century Kanchipuram, Oxford University Press US, 2008, ISBN 978-0-19-536922-9, pp.164-168
- ↑ "Churning the Ocean of Milk by Michael Buckley".
- ↑ Jones, Constance; Ryan, James D. (2006). Encyclopedia of Hinduism. Infobase Publishing. p. 288. ISBN 978-0-8160-7564-5.
- ↑ Praśānta Guptā (1998). Vālmīkī Rāmāyaṇa. Dreamland Publications. p. 32. ISBN 9788173012549.
- ↑ MacFie, J. M. (1 May 2004). The Ramayan Of Tulsidas Or The Bible Of Northern India. Kessinger Publishing. ISBN 978-1-4179-1498-2.
- ↑ Reeja Radhakrishnan (28 March 2014). "Urmila, The Sleeping Princess". Indian Express. Chennai. Archived from the original on 25 June 2016. Retrieved 1 June 2016.
- ↑ "Sleeping beauty: The unsung sacrifice of Urmila". The Hindu. Retrieved 29 November 2023.
- ↑ Dalal, Roshen (2014-04-18). Hinduism: An Alphabetical Guide. Penguin UK. ISBN 978-81-8475-277-9.
- ↑ Gupta, Sanjukta (1972-01-01). LAKSMI TANTRA. Brill Archive. p. 47.
- ↑ Swami, HH Lokanath (20 August 2020). व्रजमण्डल दर्शन: तीस दिवसीय परिक्रमा के अनुभव (in हिन्दी). Padayatra Press. ISBN 978-93-5267-307-0.
- ↑ "Ananthankavu Naga Lakshmi Temple". Holy Prasadam.
- ↑ "วัดถ้ำดาวเขาแก้ว ชมเสน่ห์ถ้ำสวย ตามรอยความเชื่อพญานาค". www.paiduaykan.com (in ไทย). 26 June 2020.
- ↑ "เปิดประสบการณ์ลี้ลับ สัมผัสตำนานความเชื่อ – Tourism Product". tourismproduct.tourismthailand.org.
- ↑ "ส่องเลขเด็ด หางประทัด ก่อนหวยออก งานบวงสรวงองค์พญาอนันตนาคราช". 30 October 2023.
- ↑ "แห่ลุ้นเลขหางประทัด พิธีบวงสรวงอนันตนาคราช 9 เศียรใหญ่ที่สุดในสุพรรณ | มุมข่าว".
- ↑ "ปชช.แห่ลุ้นเลขหางประทัดพิธีบวงสรวงอนันตนาคราช 9 เศียรใหญ่ที่สุดในสุพรรณ". 30 October 2023.
- ↑ "บวงสรวงใหญ่พญาอนันตนาคราช ชาวบ้านแห่ร่วมพิธีแน่นวัด คอเลขไม่พลาดตัวเลขจากพ่อจ้ำ | สยามนิวส์".
- ↑ ""เกรซ กาญจน์กล้า" ยกให้ "พญานาค" วัดป่าภูจันทร์หอม "ทรงพระ gorgeous" ที่สุดที่เคยไป!". 14 September 2023.