Mukhavasta

Mukhavasta, also known as the "Great Snake," is a significant deity in Hindu mythology, particularly revered in the Shaivism tradition. It is often depicted as a serpent that encircles the neck of Lord Shiva, symbolizing the divine union of the cosmic serpent and the supreme deity. This serpent is believed to be the source of all creation and is considered a manifestation of the divine energy that permeates the universe.

In some texts, Mukhavasta is identified as the cosmic serpent Vasuki, which is said to have held the world on its coils during the churning of the ocean of milk. This act is crucial in Hindu cosmology, as it led to the emergence of the nectar of immortality, known as amrita, which was consumed by the gods to gain their divine powers.

The serpent's presence around Shiva's neck is not merely symbolic; it is also a representation of the eternal cycle of creation, preservation, and destruction. The serpent's coils are said to represent the cosmic ocean, and its movements signify the eternal dance of the universe. This imagery is often used in art and literature to convey the interconnectedness of all things and the cyclical nature of existence.

Mukhavasta is also associated with the concept of time and the passage of the cosmic cycles. Its movements are said to mark the beginning and end of the universe, making it a central figure in the understanding of temporal and spatial dimensions in Hindu cosmology. The deity's significance extends beyond its physical form, embodying the principles of creation, destruction, and rebirth that are fundamental to Hindu philosophy.