Uthara

Uthara is a mythological serpent goddess from Hindu mythology, primarily worshipped in the southern Indian state of Kerala. According to legends, Uthara is associated with the serpent incarnation of the goddess Maha Lakshmi, an avatar of the powerful goddess Lakshmi.

The name Uthara is believed to be derived from the Sanskrit word "Uthar", meaning "north" or "upper", referring to the northern part of the Indian subcontinent. In some texts, Uthara is described as a consort of the god Harihara, a form of Shiva and Vishnu combined.

In Kerala temple tradition, Uthara is commonly depicted as a serpent with two heads, one of which is said to be the goddess Saraswati. The serpent goddess is believed to possess the power to grant knowledge, wisdom, and good fortune. Her worship is associated with the themes of water, fertility, and protection.

Uthara is said to have a strong connection with the Nagas, a group of serpentine deities in Hindu mythology. In some temples, Uthara is depicted receiving milk from the personified Gaitya, symbolizing nourishment and fertility.

Uthara is one of the many serpent goddesses in Hindu mythology, alongside others such as Durga, Kali, and Anantha Padmanabha. The goddess is celebrated in various temples throughout Kerala and has been an integral part of the region's cultural and spiritual heritage for centuries.