Snakes in Culture
The snake is supposed to be considered one of the most significant creatures according to the Hindu religion and mythology. This animal has been associated to be the symbol of both birth and death, reconciling all the contradiction within itself. The snake worship itself precedes the idol worship and it practiced in the southern most parts of India.
There was a clan called the Nagas that live and existed in ancient India, these were the people though living in the olden century had introduce and practiced modern form of lifestyle. It was them who had actually started wearing all gold and silver ornaments on their bodies, which were designed with the shape and size of different animals and reptiles, especially the snake.
There have been many records that have been found in 3200 B.C. during the Indus valley civilization that point out the significance and the popularity of the Snake Worship that was being practiced by these Nagas.
There are many other evidences even today that point out the significance and the importance of this creature. This is because one can even see them on the photo and the image of Lord Shiva, and even the Goddess called Durga. The practice of snake worship usually started during the pre Aryan times and during the Indus valley civilization. Later on, this Naga group was formed into the Hindu religion and gradually started practicing the Hindu religion.
The snake is not only considered to be an important creature in the Hindu religion, but it’s also considered to be an important creature in the Buddhist and the Jainism. This is because it is believed that the snake was the reason for saving the life of Buddha and it also protected the Jain Muni Parshwarnath.
Tamilnadu seems to be an important place for this snake worship, this is because during the months of Thai and Aadi, there are many worshippers and devotees that flock to these snake temples during these times. Fridays that come every week is considered to be very auspicious as all the devotees that come here offer milk to the snakes that live in these temples.
One would even be surprised to know that there are many women who draw these snake drawings at their homes and walls of their streets.
The snake is also often seen in the photo or the statue of Shiva who is supposed to be the greatest among all Hindu Gods and Goddesses. This is because the snake symbolized both death and creation and his death and creation is also been associated with Lord Shiva.
This entry was posted on Thursday, January 15th, 2009 at 10:46 am and is filed under Information. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.