Nagalakshmi
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| Nagalakshmi | |
|---|---|
| Affiliation | Vaishnavism |
| Abode | Kshira Sagara |
| Personal information | |
| Spouse | Shesha |
| Part of a series on |
| Vaishnavism |
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Nagalakshmi (Sanskrit: नागलक्ष्मी, romanized: nāgalakṣmī) is the consort of Shesha, a nagaraja (king of the snakes) and one of the two mounts of Vishnu featured in Hindu mythology. She is considered to be the personification of the divine ocean called the Kshira Sagara.[1]
Her legend is mainly found in the Garga Samhita. In Chapter 3 of the Balabhadra Khanda of the Garga Samhita, it is mentioned that she incarnated as Urmila, the wife of Lakshmana (during the Treta Yuga) and as Revati, the wife of Balarama (during the Dvapara Yuga), both consorts regarded to be forms of Shesha in some traditions.[2][3] However, in traditions where Balarama is identified with Vishnu, Revati is regarded to be a form of Lakshmi.[4]
Literature[edit]
In the Garga Samhita, the sage Pradipika recounts the attributes of Nagalakshmi:[5]
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]
The Ananthankavu Nagalakshmi Temple is located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 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. This temple is the only Nagalakshmi Temple in Kerala.[6]
References[edit]
- ^ 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 Sanskrit). Vyāsa Bālābakṣa Śodhasaṃsthāna. 2000.
- ^ 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 Hindi). Padayatra Press. ISBN 978-93-5267-307-0.
- ^ "Ananthankavu Naga Lakshmi Temple". Holy Prasadam.