Mythic Bestiary

Log 22: Shesha

Summary: Shesha, (Pronounced Shay-shah) also called Sheshanaga (Shay-shah-nah-gah), is the Nagaraja, or king of the Nāgas, a race of snake people from Hindu, Buddhist, and Jainist myth. Most often depicted with Vishnu, the great preserver of the universe, the giant snake with an interchangeable amount of heads is a devotee of his and a descendant of Brahma, the universal creator, himself. Unlike many snake creatures, Shesha is a peaceful spirit, and has been known to take many different forms, including that of a human man who aided Vishnu in a quest to create balance in the world.

Birth: Shesha is a being of many legends, but his birth is a particularly famous and convoluted one. Shesha's father was the sage Kashyapa, and his mother was one of Kashyapa's eight (sometimes thirteen) wives, named Kadru. Kadru, before Shesha was born, was quarreling with her sister Vinata, as both of them wanted to bear children that were stronger than the other's children. Both went to their husband, Kadru asking for a thousand valiant and strong children. Vinata instead asked for two sons that were stronger than Kadru's, and just outright better. Kashyapa granted their wishes with his power, and both women soon laid eggs, Kadru one thousand, but Vinata only two. No. I do not know why they had to lay eggs. I do not know who first recorded this. But I do wish these myths were less...like this. Both women kept the eggs warm and cared for over the span of five hundred years, and after those many years, Kadru's eggs hatched. From them came Shesha, the eldest son, and nine-hundred and ninety-nine more Nāga sons. While Shesha was kind, many of his brothers, lesser snakes, were not. They antagonized many, including Garuda, the king of birds and their half-brother that was born from Vinata. While Shesha left his family to better himself, those same cruel brothers became known as enemies of Garuda and his companions. At the same time however, other myths say Shesha is called Ananta or literally "Endless". Shesha with this name is said to be able to outlive the universe itself, remaining ever afterward, other sources saying Shesha had a hand in creating the universe.

Connection to Vishnu: Just like Garuda, Shesha is closely connected to Vishnu. In one branch of the mythology, it is said that Shesha was originally Balarama, a great god and brother of Krishna. Krishna, an avatar of Vishnu, and Balarama, were incredibly close, and from this source it is said that Balarama became Shesha, all for the hopes of tending to Vishnu no matter what, becoming the being to tend to his every need. Clearly, the myths are somewhat conflicting, it just depends on who you're asking.

Other Various Shesha Facts:

* Shesha as Balarama did in fact marry and had three non-snake children. As another avatar, Lakshmana, he had two other non-snake children with another wife. Clearly he was busy.

*Shesha is loved by many, as not only is he kind, but he is also said to hold up the unstable earth.

*As he holds up the earth, he is allowed residence in Patala, a mythological realm that is essentially the Underworld, but not quite Hell. Patala is said to be more beautiful than Svarga, or the Heavens, as it is full of jewels, scenic lakes and groves, and even beautiful maidens. The lowest level of Patala is the level that the Nāgas are said to inhabit, hidden from the upper world.

Weaknesses: None listed. Shesha is ancient, endless, and boundlessly kind. If you angered Shesha, you deserve whatever is coming to you.