Śeṣanāga

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Śeṣanāga is the cosmic serpent in Hindu mythology, often depicted with multiple heads and serving as the divine couch of the god Vishnu while symbolizing infinity and the foundation of the universe.

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Statements (47)

Predicate Object
instanceOf Hindu deity
cosmic serpent
mythological serpent
nāga
abode Pātāla (netherworld) NERFINISHED
cosmic ocean of milk
associatedAvatarOfVishnu Balarama NERFINISHED
Lakshmana NERFINISHED
associatedConcept cosmic ocean
creation and dissolution cycles
associatedDeity Vishnu NERFINISHED
category Hindu mythological character
serpent deity in Hinduism
cosmologicalFunction serves as Vishnu's couch on the cosmic ocean
supports the universe on his hoods
depiction multi-headed serpent
serpent forming canopy over Vishnu
epithetMeaning endless
etymology Śeṣa means remainder or that which remains NERFINISHED
family younger brother of Vasuki in some traditions
iconographicFeature expands and contracts to mark cosmic cycles
thousand heads in many descriptions
incarnationBelief Balarama is considered an incarnation of Śeṣa NERFINISHED
Lakshmana is considered an incarnation of Śeṣa NERFINISHED
linkedConcept Nāga cults of South Asia
cosmic balance
foundation of dharma
otherName Ananta NERFINISHED
Ananta Śeṣa NERFINISHED
Śeṣa NERFINISHED
protects Vishnu during cosmic sleep
cosmos from collapse
religion Hinduism
represents that which remains after cosmic dissolution
role divine couch of Vishnu
king of serpents
support of all worlds
symbolizes cosmic foundation
eternity
infinity
support of the universe
textMention Bhagavata Purana NERFINISHED
Mahabharata NERFINISHED
Puranas NERFINISHED
Vishnu Purana NERFINISHED
worship invoked for protection and stability
venerated in Vaishnavism

Referenced by (1)

Full triples — surface form annotated when it differs from this entity's canonical label.

Ananta epithet Śeṣanāga