South-Indian Images of Gods and Goddesses c12.s2.38

c12.s2.38

Snake-stones are installed in temples and other places, on specially prepared platforms under the shade of the *pipal* and the margosa trees. A ceremony called "the marriage of the *pipal-tree*" is performed both by Brahmans and non-Brahmans, when Nāga stones are also fixed under these trees amidst great rejoicing. The connexion of the Nāgas with the *pipal* and the margosa trees is evidently a relic of the ancient tree and serpent worship. Serpents have been worshipped in India from very early times, earlier even, perhaps, than the Vēdic Sun, Moon and Brahmā. It is believed that a propitiation of the Nāgas conduces towards the production of children. This belief may be traced in other countries also, where there are signs of the once widely prevalent serpent worship. Eight lords of Nāgas are mentioned in the Agamas. The chief of these is Ananta, Sēsha or Ādisēsha, on whose folds Vishnu is supposed to sleep. Fig. 153 represents him in a semi-human form. In an inscription of the twelfth century A.D. the eight Nāgas, Sēsha, Vāsuki, Takshaka, Karkōtaka, Abja (Padma), Mahāmbuja (Mahā-Padma), Sankhadhara and Kulika are invoked to decide about the auspicious or inauspicious nature of the grant.¹