Snakes & India: A Mythological Link

A Malabar Pit Viper sighted on the waterfall trail at the Poomaale Estate, Coorg

The dense rainforests of the Western Ghats, home to a few Beforest Collectives, are biodiversity hotspots. Several reptiles, amphibians, insects, birds and wild animals live under the same forest canopy, and snakes, especially the Big 4 Indian snakes, can be found here too. 

Snakes are deeply woven into Indian mythology and cultural practices. The reverence for these creatures and their symbolic significance is essential to Indian cultural and religious traditions today. However, they are also associated with mixed feelings of fear and caution due to the venomous nature of some of them. Let’s look at how deep rooter is their significance in the Indian culture.

The Mythological Link

In Hindu mythology, snakes associate with Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities. He is often depicted with a snake around his neck, known as Vasuki or Nagendra. The snake represents eternity and divine knowledge. Lord Vishnu, another important deity in Hinduism, is also depicted as resting on the coiled serpent, Shesha (also known as Adishesha), floating on the cosmic ocean during the process of creation. 

Besides being present in complete form, they are also depicted as Nagas (& Naginis) – semi-divine beings, half-human and half-snake. Believed to inhabit underground realms or water bodies, the Nagas are respected and worshipped in various regions of India, and there are numerous stories about their interactions with humans and gods. 

Festivals & Folklore

Naga Panchami is a popular Hindu festival celebrated in honour of the serpent deities. It falls on the fifth day of the bright half of the lunar month of Shravana (usually in July or August). On this day, people worship and offer milk, flowers, and other offerings to snake idols or live snakes, seeking the blessings of the serpent deities and protection from snake bites. 

Indian folklore is also rich with stories involving snakes. The serpent’s ability to shed its skin and emerge renewed has been associated with life, death, and rebirth themes. Snakes are often portrayed as protectors of hidden treasures or guardians of sacred places. The tale of “Nagin,” a female serpent who takes human form and seeks revenge for the death of her mate, is a famous folklore theme in various parts of India and has grown to be especially popular in pop culture.

Snakes are also believed to guard hidden treasures and are associated with underground wealth, which might be linked to their association with the earth and underground water sources. 

The Land of Snake Charmers or Charming Snakes?

India has a long history of snake worship and reverence, as mentioned earlier in its mythological significance. In ancient times, snake charmers were often seen as mystics or practitioners of traditional folk arts related to snakes. They would handle snakes during performances to showcase their skill and entertain audiences. 

During the British colonial period in India, which lasted from the 17th to the mid-20th century, British rulers and colonial travellers encountered snake charmers as part of the Indian landscape. The novelty of these performers and their connection to Indian culture and folklore fascinated Westerners. Later, during the Orientalist movement in the 19th century, western artists and writers portrayed India as a land of mystery, spirituality, and unusual practices, with snake charmers becoming a prominent symbol of this imagery. In the early days of cinema, Indian snake charmers were featured in films, further perpetuating the stereotype and reinforcing the notion of India as a place of mysticism and enchantment.

The representation of snake charmers in media and popular culture contributed to their prominence in the public imagination, overshadowing the vast diversity and richness of Indian culture. It’s important to note that the portrayal of India as the land of snake charmers is an oversimplification and does not represent the entirety of the country’s culture or its people. India is a diverse nation overflowing with traditions, arts, and practices. While snake charming was once a more common sight, it has significantly diminished due to increased awareness about animal rights and conservation concerns.

Human-Snake Conflicts

While snakes are revered in Indian mythology, there are also stories and beliefs about malevolent serpents causing harm and destruction. The significance of snakes in Indian mythology is a complex interplay of positive and negative aspects, reflecting the multifaceted nature of Indian cultural beliefs and traditions. This has translated into misunderstandings regarding the creature in the human mind, leading to prevailing human-snake conflicts.

Snakes have been a part of the Indian ecosystem for thousands of years, and their interactions with humans have evolved over time. The conflict arises from various factors, including religious beliefs, habitat destruction, agricultural practices, and public health concerns. Despite their reverence, there is also a fear of snakes due to their venomous nature and their potential threat to human life. This mix of veneration and fear leads to complex attitudes towards snakes. 

As human populations grow, there is increased pressure on natural habitats. Deforestation, urbanization, and agricultural expansion lead to the destruction of the snakes’ natural habitats. As a result, snakes often enter human settlements searching for food and shelter, leading to increased encounters with people. Many snakes are essential in maintaining ecological balance by controlling rodent populations that can harm crops. However, some species, like cobras and kraits, can be venomous and threaten humans and livestock. This can further lead to conflicts when farmers try to protect their crops and livestock from snake attacks.

Addressing the human-snake conflict in India requires a comprehensive approach that combines wildlife conservation, habitat preservation, public education, and access to medical facilities. It’s essential to balance protecting both human lives and the valuable ecological role snakes play in the Indian ecosystem.