Why Lord Shiva Wears the Serpent King Around His Neck : Spiritual interpretations of Vasuki

Over the last few years, I’ve been blessed with deeply intimate encounters with Shiva, and with each one, I’m drawn further into an ocean of boundless love and mystery. To me, Shiva isn’t just a deity; He is the very heartbeat of my soul, the eternal home where my spirit finds its true origin. Every moment with Shiva feels like a reunion with a beloved who knows me more intimately than I know myself, whose love envelops me in divine grace.

These encounters with Shiva have been like sipping from the nectar of divine bliss, which led me to create a meditation community so I could share this sweetness with others. In 2022, I started the Beautiful Humans community, where we gather every Sunday morning (PST) to immerse ourselves in the divine presence.

In a recent meditation circle, someone asked about the significance of the snake around Shiva’s neck. This simple question ignited my curiosity to dive into the layers of symbolism found in mythology, scriptures, and spiritual traditions, all reflecting the infinite wisdom and boundless love of Shiva. 🔱

The Mythological Origins of Vasuki

In Hindu mythology, Vasuki is the king of snakes and the ruler of the Nagas, a race of divine serpents. Known for his wisdom and strength, and is revered by both gods and demons, Vasuki is often depicted as the snake wrapped around Shiva’s neck, symbolizing Shiva’s control over fear and death.

During the legendary Samudra Manthan, where gods and demons worked together to churn the milky ocean, Vasuki Nag played a crucial role. He agreed to be the rope tied to Mount Mandara, helping in the churning process from both sides. As they churned, a dangerous poison called Halahal emerged, threatening to annihilate the world. To protect creation, Shiva chose to consume the entire poison. Inspired by Shiva’s sacrifice, Vasuki, a devoted follower, also drank the poison. In appreciation of his devotion, Shiva adorned himself with Vasuki as a necklace. Without Shiva, Vasuki would be lifeless.

Symbolism and Spiritual Interpretations

• Conquering Ego: The snake represents the Ahamkara (ego). When we poke a snake, it recoils instantly and spreads its hood to attack us. Similarly, when someone says something that we don’t wish to hear, our ego spontaneously reacts. Shiva uses this Ahamkara as an ornament because it doesn’t find space within his body.
• Mastery Over Desires: By wearing snakes, Shiva conveys that he has mastered all desires and is in full control of Maya (illusion) and its machinations.
• Surrender to Divine Grace: Vasuki’s surrender to Shiva represents the submission of the ego to the divine will. The transformation of poison into a jewel (mani) in the snake’s head is a metaphor for spiritual transformation, where even venomous qualities can be turned into something precious through divine grace.
• Mastery over Throat-Chakra: Vishuddhi chakra, located in the throat, being particularly significant as it is connected to the snake’s nature. Vishuddhi, meaning “filter,” is crucial for blocking out negative influences, including poisons from thoughts, emotions, and external energies. Shiva, known as Neelakantha for his ability to filter out poison, demonstrates the power of an active Vishuddhi in maintaining inner strength and immunity to external influences.
• Liberation from the Cycle of Samsara: Kal Sarp, depicted as the snake coiled around Shiva’s neck, symbolizes the perpetual cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. Shiva’s control over the snake illustrates his dominion over time and the endless cycle of life and death.
• Spiritual Awakening: In Kashmir Shaivism and the Shiva Sutras, the snake represents Kundalini Shakti, the primal energy coiled at the base of the spine. As the first yogi, Shiva’s energy has ascended to his crown, opening his third eye. His mastery in managing these powerful and intense energies with calm and balance reflects his enlightenment and spiritual awakening.

The serpent around Lord Shiva's neck is more than a mythical image; it symbolizes the mastery over our ego, desires, and the cycle of life and death, motivating us to develop inner strength, balance, and enlightenment in our own lives.

Om Namah Shivaya

🙏🔱💜✨🌈