Exploring the Serpent Realms: Nagas and Their Divine Abodes in the Mahabharata and Bhagavata Purana

In the Mahabharata and Bhagavata Purana, serpents (Sarpas or Nagas) hold a significant place in Hindu tradition. They are often depicted as powerful, semi-divine beings with a complex relationship to humans and gods. These serpents belong to different realms (Lokas) and have varying associations based on their type, nature, and actions. Here’s a detailed explanation of the types of Sarpas and the realms they reside in, based on the Mahabharata and Bhagavata Purana:

1. Sarpas in the Mahabharata:

The Mahabharata contains numerous references to Sarpas (serpents), particularly in the Adi Parva, where the story of the Sarpa Yagam (snake sacrifice) of King Janamejaya is detailed. Serpents in the Mahabharata belong to different clans, and their characteristics and habitats are described vividly.

Types of Sarpas and Their Realms:

• Vasuki: Vasuki is one of the most famous serpents mentioned in both the Mahabharata and Bhagavata Purana. He is the king of the Nagas and is associated with Patala Loka (the netherworld). He played a crucial role in the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) when he acted as the rope around Mount Mandara.

  • Realm: Patala Loka (the Netherworld) is Vasuki's domain, where he reigns over the other serpents.

• Takshaka: Takshaka is another prominent Naga king. He is feared for his poison and is known for killing Parikshit, the father of Janamejaya, which led to the Sarpa Yagam. Takshaka is also said to reside in Nagaloka (sometimes associated with Patala).

  • Realm: Nagaloka or Patala Loka is Takshaka's domain, where serpents thrive and rule with great power.

• Ananta (Shesha): Shesha Naga, also known as Ananta, is one of the most revered serpents. He is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and holds the Earth on his many hoods. He is known for his great size and strength and is said to reside in Vaikuntha, Vishnu’s heavenly abode.

  • Realm: Vaikuntha, the celestial realm of Lord Vishnu, is where Ananta resides. He is often depicted as a couch for Vishnu to rest upon in the cosmic ocean.

• Kaliya: Kaliya Naga, a venomous serpent who lived in the Yamuna River, poisoned its waters until Lord Krishna subdued him. After his defeat, Kaliya was banished from the Yamuna and sent to the Ramanaka Dwipa, a hidden place in the ocean where serpents live.

• Realm: Kaliya was exiled to Ramanaka Dwipa, a secluded island said to be a serpent's paradise, located in the ocean.

Major Serpent Clans (Mahabharata):

The Mahabharata lists several serpent clans and their leaders. Some of the prominent clans include:

• Vasuki's clan: Dominated by Vasuki, they are the rulers of the Nagas in Patala.
• Takshaka's clan: Known for their fierce nature, this clan is feared and is said to live in Nagaloka.
• Airavata's clan: Serpents born from Airavata, the celestial elephant, are considered powerful and are associated with heavenly realms.

2. Sarpas in the Bhagavata Purana:

The Bhagavata Purana also extensively mentions serpents and their significance in the cosmos. It portrays serpents as integral parts of the divine order, with roles varying from protectors to destroyers. The Bhagavata goes into further mystical and spiritual explanations regarding their habitats and roles.

Types of Sarpas and Their Realms:

• Shesha Naga (Ananta): In the Bhagavata Purana, Shesha or Ananta is regarded as a divine being and the primal serpent. He is associated with the creation and support of the universe, often depicted holding the planets on his hoods and serving as Lord Vishnu’s bed. Ananta is said to reside in Patala Loka when not serving Vishnu.

  • Realm: Patala Loka, the lower realms, but when serving Vishnu, he resides in Vaikuntha.

• Kaliya: Kaliya, as mentioned in the Krishna Leela section of the Bhagavata Purana, is a serpent who once inhabited the Yamuna River. His defeat by Krishna symbolizes the victory of divine power over negativity and poison.

  • Realm: Kaliya was forced to leave the Yamuna River and find refuge in Ramanaka Dwipa, a far-off island.

• Vasuki: In the Bhagavata Purana, Vasuki again plays a significant role in cosmic events like the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean of milk), where he serves as the churning rope. His abode is in Patala Loka, where he rules over the other Nagas.

  • Realm: Patala Loka.

The Seven Lower Realms (Lokas) and Serpents:

The Bhagavata Purana describes seven lower worlds or realms, often associated with the underworld and connected to the serpents' habitats:

1. Atala: Inhabited by powerful demons and asuras, sometimes associated with serpentine beings of mystical powers.
2. Vitala: Another realm connected with magical serpents.
3. Sutala: Ruled by the demon-king Bali, this realm is occasionally associated with mystical Nagas.
4. Talatala: A deeper realm of the underworld.
5. Mahatala: Inhabited by Nagas like Kuhaka, Takshaka, Kala, and Sushena.
6. Rasatala: A lower realm that is home to serpents and demons.
7. Patala: The lowest of the seven, Patala Loka is ruled by Vasuki and inhabited by many other Nagas, including Takshaka and other serpent kings.

These realms, particularly Patala Loka, are richly populated by serpents and are places of splendor, filled with gems and treasures. While Patala is considered a netherworld, it is described as an opulent and grand place where serpents live in prosperity.

3. Association of Serpents with Lokas:

• Heavenly Lokas: Some serpents, like Shesha Naga, are associated with Vaikuntha or higher celestial planes due to their divine nature and connection with Vishnu.
• Earthly and Nether Lokas: Most Nagas, such as Vasuki, Takshaka, and other serpents, reside in Patala Loka or Nagaloka, which are realms beneath the Earth filled with mystical powers, wealth, and serpentine rulers.
• Rivers and Oceans: Serpents like Kaliya are often depicted as inhabiting rivers and oceans, with Ramanaka Dwipa being one such abode for exiled serpents.

Conclusion

The Mahabharata and Bhagavata Purana offer rich descriptions of various serpents (Sarpas/Nagas) and their associated realms (Lokas). Most serpents, particularly the prominent ones like Vasuki, Takshaka, and Shesha, reside in Patala Loka, a grand and opulent underworld. Others, like Kaliya, live in hidden islands or specific places like Ramanaka Dwipa. These serpents play crucial roles in the cosmic order, sometimes as protectors and sometimes as symbols of destruction.