Symbolism Of Snake Held By Goddess Durga - Nagapasha: The Coiled Energy of Consciousness and the Victory Over Evil
The Serpent in the Hand of Goddess Durga: Symbol of Conscious Power and Divine Control
The Divine Image and Its Meaning
Among the many weapons that adorn the ten hands of Goddess Durga, the serpent—or Sarpa—is one of the most profound in symbolism. Often depicted as coiled or held firmly in her divine grasp during the annihilation of Mahishasura, this serpent is not merely an ornament or a weapon. It represents the most mysterious and potent force in existence: the dormant consciousness that lies coiled within every human being, awaiting awakening through spiritual awareness and divine grace.
Symbolism of the Serpent
The serpent, or Naga, in Hindu philosophy, is a recurring emblem of Kundalini Shakti—the coiled energy residing at the base of the spine. In the Devi Mahatmya (Markandeya Purana, Chapter 2–11), Durga is described as the embodiment of all powers, the synthesis of creation, preservation, and destruction. The serpent weapon, known as Nagapasha, was said to be gifted to her by Vasuki, the king of serpents, symbolizing the union of spiritual knowledge (jnana) and power (shakti).
Just as a serpent coils and uncoils at will, consciousness too can expand from a limited self to the universal self. When Devi wields the serpent, it is a declaration that she is the controller of both latent and manifest energies. She decides when to awaken and when to restrain.
Poison and Power in Balance
The serpent is also the keeper of venom—a substance that can either destroy or heal. This dual nature represents the moral and spiritual truth that every energy in creation can serve good or evil depending on how it is controlled. Durga, as the embodiment of divine control, holds the serpent firmly, showing that she governs even the most dangerous aspects of creation. The message is clear: power, when guided by wisdom, becomes a force for righteousness.
Scriptural Insight
In the Devi Bhagavata Purana (Book 5, Chapter 18), it is said:
"The Devi holds in her hands all powers, from the softest lotus to the deadliest serpent. She alone can command them without harm, for she is the source of all harmony and dissolution."
This imagery is not to invoke fear but reverence. It shows that the Divine Mother is not merely a destroyer of evil, but the custodian of balance, where creation and destruction exist in perfect harmony.
Spiritual Significance and Practice
For a devotee, meditating on the serpent held by Durga can awaken awareness of the inner Kundalini Shakti. It reminds one that within each person lies a dormant power, coiled and waiting to rise through disciplined living, devotion, and self-awareness. The serpent thus becomes a symbol of inner transformation—from ignorance to enlightenment, from fear to mastery.
Modern-Day Relevance
In the modern world, where stress, anger, and uncontrolled emotions dominate human life, the serpent of Durga teaches the importance of control over one’s inner poison. Just as she holds the serpent with grace and power, humans too must learn to harness emotions, desires, and energies constructively. In spiritual practice, this translates to meditation, self-discipline, and compassionate action.
Final Thoughts
The serpent in Goddess Durga’s hand is far more than a weapon—it is the very manifestation of disciplined consciousness. It represents awareness, transformation, and the balance of life’s dualities. In holding it, Durga reminds humanity that true power lies not in domination, but in mastery of the self, where poison becomes medicine and fear transforms into divine strength.
In essence, the serpent of Durga is the living reminder that within the human heart lies the coiled divine energy—waiting, like the serpent, for the call of awakening through the grace of the Mother.