01
Origins and family
Unlike many of Kadru's serpent sons, Shesha rejected violence and undertook severe austerity.
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Character Chronicle
Puranas · Cosmic serpent and support of worlds
Shesha
Endless serpent on whom Vishnu rests and whose strength supports the cosmos.
PuranasAnantaThe
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Biography
The story of Shesha
Shesha is endless serpent on whom Vishnu rests and whose strength supports the cosmos. Son of Kashyapa and Kadru; associated with Balarama and Lakshmana as incarnations.
Unlike many of Kadru's serpent sons, Shesha rejected violence and undertook severe austerity.
Brahma entrusted him with stabilizing the earth and supporting cosmic order.
Vishnu reclines upon him in the ocean between cycles, making Shesha both servant and cosmic foundation.
His avatar associations with Balarama and Lakshmana emphasize devoted support of Vishnu's incarnations.
Life journey
Four defining chapters
02
Rise and relationships
Brahma entrusted him with stabilizing the earth and supporting cosmic order.
03
Defining crisis
Vishnu reclines upon him in the ocean between cycles, making Shesha both servant and cosmic foundation.
04
Final phase and legacy
His avatar associations with Balarama and Lakshmana emphasize devoted support of Vishnu's incarnations.
The most essential strength may be the strength that quietly bears weight for others.
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