Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Snake worship

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The altar where Jory Goddess is worshiped. The photo is taken at the main temple in Belur Karnataka , India
The altar where Jory Goddess is worshiped. The photo is taken at the main temple in Belur Karnataka , India

The worship of serpent deities is present in several old cultures, where snakes were seen as entities of strength and renewal.

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[edit] Hindu mythology

Nagas form an important part of Hindu mythology. They play prominent roles in various legends:

  1. Shesha (Adisesha, Sheshnaga, or the 1,000 headed snake) upholds the world on his many heads and is said to be used by Lord Vishnu to rest. Shesha also sheltered Lord Krishna from a thunderstorm during his birth.
  2. Vasuki allowed himself to be coiled around Mount Mandara by the Devas and Asuras to churn the milky ocean creating the ambrosia of immortality.
  3. Kaliya poisoned the Jamuna / Yamuna river where he lived. Krishna (Balakrishna / infant Krishna) subdued Kaliya by dancing on him and compelled him to leave the river.
  4. Manasa is the queen of the snakes.
  5. Ananta is the endless snake who circles the world.
  6. Padmanabha (or Padmaka) is the guardian snake of the south.
  7. Astika is half Brahmin and half naga.
  8. Kulika

Lord Shiva also wears a snake around his neck

Nag panchami is an important Hindu festival associated with snake worship which takes place of the fifth day of Shravana. Snake idols are offered gifts of milk and incense to help the worshipper to gain knowledge, wealth, and fame.

[edit] Mesopotamians and Semites

Ancient Mesopotamians and Semites believed that snakes were immortal because they could infinitely shed their skin and appear forever youthful, appearing in a fresh guise every time. [1]

[edit] Greek mythology

The Greeks believed in Gorgons and Medusa.

Contemporary Christian culture identifies the snake as a symbol of evil, tempting Adam and Eve into the fall of man.

[edit] Snake handling in Christianity

Snake handling is a religious ritual in a small number of Christian churches in the U.S., usually characterized as rural and Pentecostal, particularly the Church of God with Signs Following. Practitioners believe it dates to antiquity and quote the Bible to support the practice, especially:

"They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover." (Mark 16:18)
"Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you." (Luke 10:19)

[edit] Images related to snake worship

[edit] Other snake gods

[edit] References

"Legendary Snakes" by Unknown, Indian Times -- Spirituality, December 9, 2004
"Snake Worship" by Unknown,

[edit] See also

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