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 |   As the first blog entry got exhausted. My second book |
| Evolution of Love Part 2 |
| *Vasuki: The story of Lord Shiva's Companionship with Vasuki.* When we imagine the image of Lord SHIVA what do we see? A radiant robust divine image of a man in meditation in a cave adorned by the moon on his hair knot and a snake around his neck. It isn't one of the Bvlgari brand's most famous pieces, the “Serpenti” collection, which features snake-inspired designs in various colors and materials. We all know the crescent moon, represents Chandra Dev. Have you ever wondered about the snake coiled around his neck? That snake coiled around Lord Shiva's neck is Vasuki. Why does Shiva, the Destroyer of worlds, choose to wear a snake, specifically Vasuki, around his neck? Let’s find out the story behind this amazing association. The legend of Vasuki and Shiva Lord Shiva is not a typical God. There is a reason why he is venerated despite having broken all kinds of stereotypes of being associated with divinity. We all know Lord Shiva as "Destroyer" How can a God who is always in meditation be a destroyer? Well you will be amazed. Whether it’s his eternal meditation as a Yogi or his embodiment of both masculine and feminine energies as Ardhanarishwar, Lord Shiva is symbolic of BALANCE. His body is smeared with ashes, a reminder of the transient nature of the material world. But amidst all these striking aspects, it's the snake Vasuki around his neck that captures our imagination. Vasuki, the King of Serpents, is not just a mere accessory. His presence around Shiva’s neck symbolizes more than just a reptile in Hindu mythology. Vasuki represents loyalty, protection, and the deep connection between divine beings and their companions. But how did Vasuki come to occupy such an exalted position around the neck of one of the most powerful gods in the pantheon? The Tale of SAMUDRA MANTHAN The story takes us back to a time of great turmoil when the gods (Devas) and demons (Asuras) were locked in an epic battle. After suffering a crushing defeat, the Devas, under the guidance of Lord Vishnu, proposed a truce with the Asuras. The goal? To churn the Ocean of Milk (Samudra Manthan) and extract the nectar of immortality (Amrit). To churn the ocean, they needed a rope, and Vasuki, the mighty serpent, volunteered to serve this purpose. Wrapped around Mount Mandara, Vasuki endured the tremendous strain as both sides pulled him in opposite directions. Among the many treasures and toxins that emerged from the churning was the lethal poison, Halahal. So potent was this substance that it threatened to destroy the entire universe. In a selfless act to save creation, Lord Shiva consumed the poison, but it lodged in his throat, turning it blue. This earned him the name Neelkanth, "The One with a Blue Throat". Moved by Shiva's sacrifice, Vasuki and his fellow serpents drank the remaining poison, vowing to protect Shiva from its deadly effects. Impressed by their devotion, Shiva blessed Vasuki and wore him around his neck as a symbol of their bond. Modern-Day Reflection In today’s world, the story of Shiva and Vasuki serves as a powerful reminder of loyalty, sacrifice, and the importance of standing by those we care about in times of crisis. Just as Vasuki stood by Shiva, protecting him from harm, we too must support our loved ones, especially in times of adversity. This tale also speaks to the idea of using one’s strength and resilience for the greater good, a lesson that resonates deeply in our fast-paced, often self-centered society. The Spiritual Symbolism Beyond the story, Vasuki's presence around Shiva’s neck carries deep spiritual significance. The three coils of the snake symbolize time—past, present, and future—indicating that Shiva is beyond the constraints of time. Moreover, the snake also represents Kundalini energy, the primal force believed to reside at the base of the spine in every human being. When awakened, this energy rises through the chakras, leading to spiritual enlightenment. Shiva, with Vasuki around his neck, is a reminder that ultimate liberation lies in conquering time and realizing the divine within. In essence, Vasuki is not just a snake but a symbol of a profound spiritual journey, one that teaches us about the power of devotion, the importance of resilience, and the timeless nature of the divine. As we navigate the challenges of modern life, the story of Vasuki and Shiva offers valuable lessons on loyalty, sacrifice, and spiritual awakening. Nag Panchami symbolizes the worship and veneration of serpents, particularly the Indian cobra, which are considered sacred in Hindu mythology. The festival is not just about snake worship but holds deeper significance, representing the reverence for nature and its creatures, and acknowledging the snakes' role in maintaining ecological balance. Additionally, serpents are seen as symbols of divine presence, cosmic energy, rebirth, immortality, and the cyclical nature of life, as they shed their skin and "reborn" |
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