Hindus see divinity in every living being, worshipping animals like snakes, dogs, peacocks, and cows. Among these revered creatures, the serpent holds a special place. According to Hindu mythology, Adishesha, the serpent on which Lord Vishnu rests in the ocean of milk, is considered the primal serpent. Adishesha is also known as Ananta Shesha, symbolizing eternity. With his thousand hoods, he bears the weight of the universe, including all the planets. He plays a crucial role in creation and destruction within the cosmos. The tales of Adishesha can be found in ancient texts like Mahabharata and Ramayana.
Adishesha's story begins with Brahma's mind-born son Prajapati Kashyapa, who had two wives, Kadru and Vinata. Pleased with them, Kashyapa granted them each a boon. Kadru wished for a thousand radiant serpents, while Vinata desired two mighty sons. Consequently, Kadru gave birth to a thousand snakes, with Shesha being the eldest. Vinata gave birth to two birds.
Due to a deceitful game, Kadru enslaved Vinata. Disheartened by his family's deceit, Shesha abandoned them and performed severe penance on Mount Gandhamadana. His dedication pleased Brahma, who granted him a boon. Shesha requested the blessing to always meditate on Lord Vishnu, and Brahma also granted him the privilege of bearing the earth on his hoods. Hence, Shesha became the eternal support of the world.
Shesha is known by various names such as Kadru-nandan (son of Kadru), Ananta (eternal), and Adishesha. Other serpents mentioned in Hindu texts, like Vasuki, Takshaka, Karkotaka, and Dhananjaya, are considered his brothers. According to the Mahabharata, Shesha incarnated as Lakshmana in the Treta Yuga and as Balarama in the Dwapara Yuga.
