Significance of Vasuki
Vasuki, according to Vaishnavism and Purana, is a prominent celestial serpent used as the rope during the churning of the ocean, playing a vital role in various divine narratives. This sacred serpent symbolizes splendor and is considered the king of serpents. He is involved in key cosmic events, including the battle between gods and demons, and is depicted as a protective figure among snakes, seeking redemption through the river Ganga. Vasuki embodies significant spiritual symbolism within Hindu mythology.
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Vasuki'
Vasuki in Hinduism is a significant celestial serpent symbolizing power and beauty, known for his roles in the churning of the Ocean of Milk, battles among gods and demons, and various mythological narratives embodying spiritual symbolism.
From: The Skanda Purana
(1) The celestial serpent used as a rope in the churning process of the Ocean of Milk.[1] (2) A serpent who expresses guilt and seeks redemption from sins through the grace of the river Ganga.[2] (3) The chief among the serpents, selected by Mahadeva to remain close and protect others from fear.[3] (4) The serpent used as a rope during the churning of the ocean, highlighting the collaborative effort of diverse beings.[4] (5) The serpent that acted as the churning cord during the ocean's churning.[5]
From: The Padma Purana
(1) The lord of serpents, representing a significant spiritual symbolism in the context of sacrifice.[6] (2) The serpent used as the string of the churning rod during the ocean churning, involved in the battle between gods and demons.[7]
From: The Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The Chief of the snakes living in Patala, known for being angry and virulently poisonous.[8] (2) A snake who played a role in the events surrounding Muni Jaratkaru and his marriage.[9]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) The mighty snake used as a rope for the churning of the ocean, which plays a significant role in the events described.[10]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) A significant serpent king who plays a role in the cosmic events and connections in the battle narrative.[11]
From: The Garuda Purana
(1) A serpent king in Hindu mythology, included among the other deities in the worship.[12]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) The king of the snakes, who creates an arrangement with Garuda to prevent the mass slaughter of his kind.[13] (2) A serpent from which Udayana receives blessings after sparing its life.[14] (3) A divine serpent mentioned in the context of mythos but not elaborated within this block of text.[15] (4) A figure who gifted the King of Vatsa a melodious lute that he played while hunting.[16]
From: Naishadha-charita of Shriharsha
(1) The lord of serpents, who serves a crucial role during the Svayamvara, representing power and beauty, yet also eliciting fear.[17]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) He is Vasuki (vasuki), a character or name associated with splendor.[18] (2) The auspicious rope used in the churning of the ocean, depicted as a serpent.[19]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A prominent snake figure in Hindu mythology classically depicted as a sacred serpent, often associated with various divine narratives.[20]