Manasa

Manasa is a Hindu goddess of snakes and poison, primarily worshipped in Bengal, Assam, Odisha, and Bihar. Her origins are found in both Vedic and Puranic traditions. In the Rigveda (1.32), the serpent Vritra is slain by Indra, but Manasa emerges later as a benevolent serpent deity. According to the Mahabharata (Adi Parva), she is the daughter of the sage Kashyapa and Kadru, the mother of all serpents, and is married to the sage Jaratkaru. In some Puranic accounts, such as the Skanda Purana, she is considered a daughter of Shiva, born from his mind (manas), hence her name.

The Devi Mahatmya (5.23) describes her as a powerful goddess who controls poison and grants protection from snakebites. Iconographically, Manasa is depicted with four arms, seated on a lotus or a snake, holding a snake, a lotus, a water pot, and a fruit. She often wears a veil and has a serene yet powerful expression. Her mount (vahana) is a snake or a swan. Principal myths include her struggle for worship among humans, as narrated in the Manasa Mangal Kavya, a medieval Bengali text.

She is said to have forced the merchant Chand Saudagar to worship her after killing his seven sons, later reviving them. This story highlights her dual nature as both a fierce and compassionate deity. Regional worship traditions include the Manasa Puja, especially during the rainy season when snakebites are common, and Nag Panchami, a festival dedicated to snakes. In Hindu cosmology, Manasa represents the power to control dangerous forces, symbolizing the triumph of divine will over poison and fear. She is also associated with fertility and prosperity, and her worship is believed to cure leprosy and other diseases.

The Manasa Stotram and Manasa Mangal Kavya are key liturgical texts. Her role as Vishahara (remover of poison) underscores her importance in folk Hinduism, where she is invoked for protection and healing.

Four-armed, seated on a lotus or snake. Holds snakes, lotus, water pot, and fruit. Often depicted with a veil. Serene, powerful expression.