Ananta Shesha Holds the Earth: Boon, Duty and Dharma - Mahabharata
In the Mahabharata,
the story of Shesha is told in the Adi Parva, in the section known as the
Astika Parva Chapter 32. Shesha was one of the sons of Kadru and the brother of the many
Nagas. But his mother and brothers were wicked, and they were always doing
deceit and harming others. Shesha did not like this way of living. So he left
his mother and his brothers and went away to do hard tapasya.
His tapasya was very severe. He controlled his senses, lived
on little food, and kept his mind fixed on one thing only. After a long time,
Brahma became pleased with him and appeared before him. Brahma asked him to
take any boon he wanted.
The Boon Shesha Asked For
Here we can see the real character of Shesha. Brahma was
ready to give him anything, like power, a kingdom, long life or victory over
his enemies. But Shesha did not ask for any of these. He only asked that his
mind should always find joy in dharma, in peace of mind, and in tapasya.
This is a very important point. Most people ask for wealth
and comfort when God gives them a chance. Shesha asked only for a good mind. He
understood that if the mind is steady and fixed in dharma, everything else will
come by itself.
Brahma was very happy with this answer. He praised Shesha
for his self control and calmness, and he said that the words Shesha had spoken
would come true. He did this for the welfare of all living beings.
The Work Given by Brahma
Then Brahma asked Shesha to do one service for him. At that
time the earth was not stable. She was shaking and unsteady because of the
heavy weight of her mountains, forests, towns and oceans. Brahma asked Shesha
to hold her up properly so that she becomes firm and stays in her place.
Shesha accepted this work without any argument. He only
asked that the earth be placed on his head. Brahma told him to go below the
earth, and he said that the Earth Goddess herself would open a path for him.
Shesha, the first among the snakes, entered that path, went under the earth and
held her on his head. From that day, the earth became stable.
Brahma then said that Shesha was dharma itself, because he
alone was carrying the whole earth with his endless coils. He also said that
Garuda would always be there to help him. This is interesting, because Garuda
is the natural enemy of the snakes, but here he becomes a friend and helper of
Shesha. It shows that a person of dharma can win even the respect of those who
are opposite to him.
Shesha and Bhagavan Vishnu
In Hindu belief, Shesha is not only the holder of the earth.
He is also the bed of Bhagavan Vishnu, who rests on him in the ocean of milk.
The name Ananta means one who has no end, and this shows the endless nature of
time and creation. When a person serves dharma with full devotion, he becomes
close to Bhagavan himself. Shesha is the best example of this.
Shesha also comes again in later ages. He is born as
Lakshmana in the Ramayana, who served Shri Rama through all the troubles of the
forest. And he is born as Balarama, the elder brother of Shri Krishna. In every
birth, he stays near Bhagavan and supports him. This shows that his nature is
always service and loyalty.
Teaching of the Mahabharata
The Mahabharata says again and again that dharma is the one
thing that holds everything. The famous line is "dharmo rakshati
rakshitah," which is found in the Manusmriti, chapter 8, verse 15, and it
is also repeated in the Mahabharata. It means that dharma protects those who
protect it. Shesha protected dharma by choosing a good mind over a rich reward,
and in return dharma gave him the highest place, holding up the earth itself.
Another point is the difference between Shesha and his
brothers. They were born in the same house, from the same mother, but their
paths were different. In the Mahabharata, Vasuki and Takshaka also have their
own roles. Shesha chose tapasya and service, and that is why he is remembered
with respect.
Symbolism of Shesha
The earth on Shesha's head shows that the whole world is
supported by silent and unseen strength. We see the trees, buildings and
people, but we do not see what holds them. In the same way, a family, a society
and a nation are held by those who do their duty quietly, without asking for
praise.
The many coils of Shesha also show endless time. And his
thousand hoods show that dharma has support in all directions.
Modern Day Relevance
Today many people leave their good values when they see a
chance for quick profit. Shesha teaches the opposite. He did not follow his
wicked family, even though they were his own people. He walked alone on the
right path.
He also shows that real greatness is in carrying
responsibility. The parents who work hard for the children, the teacher who
guides students, and the farmer who feeds the country are all doing the work of
Shesha in a small way.
Life Lessons
- Do not
follow wrong ways just because your family or friends follow them.
- Ask
for a steady mind and good character before asking for wealth.
- Accept
responsibility without complaining.
- Serve
dharma quietly, as the world is held by such people.
- Good
conduct brings respect, even from natural opponents, as with Garuda.
The story of Shesha is short, but its message is deep. A person who keeps his mind in dharma will always find his proper place in the world.