Maiden
What you need to sow
Begin by facing what you fear.
Bengali / Bangladesh
Manasa
Queen of Serpents
Medieval Bengal (Manasamangal Kavya) to present
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Her story
Historical context
goddess · Medieval Bengal (Manasamangal Kavya) to present
Manasa is honoured across Bengal as the goddess of snakes who protects from snakebite. The Manasamangal poems tell of her struggle to gain the devotion of the merchant Chand Sadagar.
Mythology & traditions
In the Manasamangal cycle, the merchant Chand refuses Manasa the worship she seeks. After his son Lakhindar dies from a snakebite, the bride Behula journeys with the body and wins divine attention through extraordinary resolve. Chand finally offers with his left hand: Manasa gains recognition, while the poem preserves the tension between devotion, pride and negotiated power.
Domains
- serpents
- protection
- healing
- fertility
Symbols
- cobra
- lotus
- clay pot
In the oracle
Her guidance
Mother
What you need to grow
Grow recognition for your hard-won worth.
Crone
What you need to know
Know that danger and healing can share a source.
Her tradition
Bengali Tradition
Serpent and forest protectors of the Bengal delta.
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