Naag Panchmi, the auspicious fifth day of Shukla Paksha in the month of Sawan in India. A day when devotees worship snakes and seek their blessings for the family. Vasuki the serpent king that coils around the neck of Lord Shiva is worshipped on Naga Panchami. Vasuki, the son of Kashyap and Kadru is the most powerful snake and an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva. Without Lord Shiva, Vasuki is lifeless but a destructive and powerful cobra.
As per Vishnu Purana, during the time of Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean), a holy exercise performed by Devas and Asuras together to bring back prosperity in the world, Vasuki played a pivotal role. With Mandar mountain as the churning rod and Vasuki as the churning rope, Devas and Asuras churned the ocean together to attain prosperity, strength, and vitality back. Varied ornaments, treasures, scriptures, Goddess, and Supernatural animals were the outcome of the Samudra Manthan. But the most revered ones were Amrita (Elixir of immortality) and Halahala (Deadly poison).
Lord Shiva, the Neelkanth drank the deadly poison together with Vasuki and other snakes in the ocean and saved the world from doom. Impressed by his selfless devotion, Lord Shiva decided to wear Vasuki around his neck. The serpent king beautifies Lord Shiva with his presence. It also symbolizes the awakened Kundalini power of the Muladhara chakra.
Apart from this, Lord Shiva has a powerful bow — Pinaaka. The string of this bow is none other than Vasuki. Vasuki helped Lord Shiva in destroying the Tripura of Tarkasura sons.
Vasuki is a multitalented disciple of Lord Shiva who symbolizes the balance of power, knowledge, and spirituality. Vasuki took the Road less traveled and imbibed a plethora of virtues from Lord Shiva himself. Following three virtues of Vasuki can be emulated by anyone during any phase of life
Self Discipline —
“Without discipline, we can solve nothing. With only some discipline we can solve only some problems. With total discipline, we can solve all problems” — M Scott Peck
Vasuki or the snake represents the intensity of kundalini lying lethargically in the Muladhara chakra of every individual. With self-discipline and meditation, anyone can plummet the kundalini or Vasuki to the highest levels. Lord Shiva with Vasuki on his neck symbolizes the attainment of enlightenment of the Muladhara chakra.
Open for change —
Change is something that happens every time and everywhere. Change is life. Embracing change in any phase of life is a sign of one’s adaptability and versatility. Every individual can learn this trait from the Serpent King Vasuki who served the role of a churning rod during Samudra Manthan or bowstring for Lord Shiva. He openly accepted the change and adapted the same for delivery of success. Life is all about being open to the changes that come every day.
Delayed Gratification —
Delayed gratification is one of the most effective personal traits and most difficult to acquire. It improves self-control and ultimately helps in attaining long term goals. Vasuki enjoyed Halahala with Lord Shiva and attained the esteemed company of Lord Shiva.
We can attain and enlighten our internal Vasuki by practicing these virtues and accompany Lord Shiva.
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