Shrine Of Hindu Goddess Of Snakes And Poison Editorial Photo

Manasā, also Mansā Devi, is an Indian folk goddess of snakes, worshipped mainly in Bengal and other parts of North and northeastern India, chiefly for the prevention and cure of snakebite and also for fertility and prosperity. Manasa is the mother of Astika, sister of Vasuki, king of Nāgas snakes and wife of sage Jagatkāru Jaratkāru. She is also known as Vishahara the destroyer of poison, Nityā eternal and Padmavati. In the Puranas, sage Kashyapa is her father, Lord Shiva is a father figure to her. Manasa is depicted as being kind to her devotees, but harsh to people who refused to worship her. Denied full godhead by her mixed parentage, Manasa`s aim was to fully establish her authority as a goddess and to acquire steadfast human devotees