Vasuki Snake: The Faithful Companion Of Lord Shiva 

We must have seen God wearing gold ornaments. But has anyone noticed Lord Shiva wearing any? No, lord Shiva does not wear any ornaments; he has a snake named Vasuki naag wrapped around his neck. Let’s read in detail about the Vasuki snake. 

Who is Vasuki?

Vasuki is a powerful snake and the Serpent King, born with multiple heads. He has a Nagmani over his head. Wrapped around the neck of Lord Shiva, he also holds a very high importance in Hinduism. People also worship Vasuki on the occasion of Nag Panchami. 

Vasuki was born to the Sage Kashyapa and Devi Kadru, daughter of Daksha Prajapati. Also, Lord Brahma was Vasuki’s grandfather. Vasuki also had an elder brother named Sesha Naga (the snake of Lord Vishnu) and a sister named Manasa Naga. 

Vasuki’s Devotion Towards Lord Shiva

Vasuki’s devotion to Lord Shiva represents his companionship and faithful commitment. His loyalty is evident in his role as the rope during the challenging Samudra Manthan, being the bowstring to destroy Tripuradahana. According to Vasuki, he’s lifeless without his master, Shiva. 

Vasuki Mythology Story

This story tells us about Lord Shiva’s reason for wrapping Vasuki around his neck. Let’s know the story:

Role of Vasuki in Samudra Manthan

During the time of Samudra Manthan, when there was a battle between the Asuras and the gods for the amrit. Vasuki, the powerful snake, was chosen as a rope for the churning of the ocean milk.

Shiva Consuming Halahala

During the heavy churning of the Ocean of Milk, a poisonous substance called halahala appeared. Halahala was enough to kill anyone who drank it. To save everyone, Lord Shiva appeared and consumed the halahala.  

Shiva Wearing Vasuki

Seeing this, Vasuki and the other snakes were moved. Therefore, to show devotion to Lord Shiva, they, too, drank the poison. Pleased by this, Lord Shiva decided to keep Vasuki wrapped around his neck. 

Symbolic Meaning Of the Vasuki Snake

The Vasuki snake is not an ordinary snake but also holds a symbolic meaning. In Hinduism, he is considered a supreme snake. 

Additionally, he is wrapped around Lord Shiva’s neck three times. The three coils of Vasuki represent the three states of time that are past, present and future. 

Also, Vasuki’s head, towards Lord Shiva’s right shoulder, signifies order and justice to protect the Universe. It also represents the Universal law of birth, death and rebirth. 

Lord Shiva Wearing Vasuki Snake: Spiritual Significance 

Shiva, wearing the Vasuki snake around his neck, also has many spiritual meanings. Let’s read below to learn more:

The Achiever of Kundalini Power

The Kundalini power, also known as the Serpent Power, is located at the base of the spine. One can achieve it through severe spirituality and letting go of negativity. Shiva, wearing Vasuki, signifies his achievement of kundalini power from the base Chakra to the head Chakra. 

The Master of All Desires

Lord Shiva is the supreme who has mastered all desires and conquered all fears of this world. According to him, everyone should have control over their desires, leading to a peaceful and happy life. 

Defeat of Ego 

Snake is a very poisonous creature that symbolises ego. However, Lord Shiva wearing the Vasuki snake signifies that no ego is greater than his. Even deadly species, like snakes, are also under his complete control. 

The God of Animals 

Lord Shiva is very kind and loves all his creatures, including animals. Therefore, he is also called as Pashupatinath. He wears snake and tiger skin and rides a bull, showing his love for animals. 

Some Other Vasuki Snake Story

The Vasuki snake history has some more stories associated with Lord Shiva. Let’s read below:

Vasuki as a bowstring in destroying Tripuradahana

Tripuradahana consists of three cities made up of gold, silver, and iron. It received a boon from Lord Brahma that the cities could only be destroyed by a single arrow. 

The demons of Tripuradahana started troubling the Gods. Being fed up, the gods sought help from Lord Brahma, who sent them to Lord Shiva. 

After listening to this, Lord Shiva decided to use Vasuki as the bowstring to shoot an arrow to destroy the cities. This is how the Vasuki snake helped in destroying Tripuradahana.

Frequently Asked Questions