Manasa Devi: Serpent-Queen of the Waters

"This contemporary piece depicts Manasa Devi, serpent-queen of eastern India, seated in lalitasana astride a duck vahana upon a lotus-ringed water base. A crown of rearing cobras rises behind her; four arms display emblematic attributes—lotuses in the upper hands, a protective gesture and boon-bestowal below—while a live serpent coils from her wrist, affirming her command of the naga realm. In regional worship and the Manasamangal narratives, Manasa is invoked for protection from snakebite, hea…

♥ 0