The serpent that holds the weight of the entire universe
In short: Explore how serpents serve as cosmic pillars in Asian mythology, moving beyond mere animals to become literal foundations of existence.
In Hindu mythology, Shesha (also known as Ananta) is not a symbolic figure but a cosmic being upon which the entire universe rests. According to the Vishnu Purana, this serpent floats in the primordial ocean of existence while the god Vishnu sleeps across its coils.
The scale of Shesha is immense: it is described as spreading a thousand hoods above creation like a living canopy. This portrayal highlights the role of serpents as foundational elements of reality rather than just creatures within it.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Every Serpent in Asian Mythology Explained in 22 Minutes
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