A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.1671

c5.1671

SESHA, SESHA-NĀGA. King of the serpent race or Nāgas, and of the infernal regions called Pātāla. A serpent with a thousand heads which is the couch and canopy of Vishnu whilst sleeping during the intervals of creation. Sometimes Sesha is represented as supporting the world, and sometimes as upholding the seven Pātālas or hells. Whenever he yawns he causes earthquakes. At the end of each kalpa he vomits venomous fire which destroys all creation. When the gods churned the ocean they made use of Sesha as a great rope, which they twisted round the mountain Mandara, and so used it as a churn. He is represented clothed in purple and wearing a white necklace, holding in one hand a plough and in the other a pestle. He is also called Ananta, ‘the endless,’ as the symbol of eternity. His wife was named Ananta-sīrshā. He is sometimes distinct from Vāsuki but generally identified with him. In the Purāṇas he is said to be the son of Kasyapa and Kadru, and according to some authorities he was incarnate in Bala-rāma. His hood is called Mani-dwīpa, ‘the island of jewels,’ and his palace Mani-bhītti, ‘jewel-walled,’ or Mani-mandapa, ‘jewel palace.’