Significance of Snake
Synonyms: Serpent, Reptile, Python, Boa, Viper, Cobra
In Dutch: Shlang; In Malay: Ular; In French: Serpent; In Finnish: 碍盲盲谤尘别; In Spanish: Serpiente; In German: Schlange; In Swedish: Orm
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Snake'
In Buddhism, the Snake symbolizes the potential for harm hidden within seemingly harmless beings, the importance of self-reflection, and the consequences of anger, teaching lessons on controlling negative impulses and avoiding harmful past actions.
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The creature that represents the lesson of never reverting to harmful past actions, paralleling Elder Sariputta's own commitments.[1] (2) An animal that the young brahmin observed and attempted to compare to a plough鈥檚 shaft.[2] (3) A character who bites a bull in anger after being frightened, leading him to take a vow to subdue his anger.[3]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) A creature represented here as having the capacity to kill people with its venom, signifying that even small and seemingly harmless beings can possess lethal abilities.[4]
Hindu concept of 'Snake'
In Hinduism, the Snake symbolizes danger, challenge, and treachery, particularly through the character Kaliya, representing adversarial forces. Its presence influences safety and outcomes, deeply woven into narratives and rituals within the tradition.
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) The creature that is central to the narrative, symbolizing elements of danger or challenge.[5] (2) The character in the passage that performs rituals and is associated with Krishna.[6] (3) A reference to a character in the narrative who plays a significant role and is described as a demon.[7] (4) The creature involved in the event, representing a challenge or an adversarial force in the story.[8] (5) The snake represents a central character in the text that the gopa boys are attempting to drive away.[9]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Symbolically represents danger or treachery in this context, suggesting that living with such a creature is inadvisable.[10] (2) The creature that Lord Gauracandra is trying to catch.[11]
From: Hayanaratna: The Jewel of Annual Astrology
(1) Reptiles, and danger from them is a negative outcome when Jupiter is joined to Rahu, affecting safety.[12] (2) Snakes, as described in the text, are associated with suffering, and are considered in relation to planetary configurations that influence outcomes and events related to the eighth house.[13]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)
(1) This is a reference to a constellation where the moon makes its nightly dwelling.[14]
Jain concept of 'Snake'
In Jainism, the Snake symbolizes danger, wisdom, or transformation, as it is an item associated with Kalika, reflecting the complexities of existence and the duality of human experience.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) An item held by Kalika in her left hand, often representing danger, wisdom, or transformation.[15]
The concept of Snake in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Snake" symbolizes mysticism, represents Lita's saved creature that granted a reward, signifies a metaphorical rope connected to self-realization, and embodies a malicious entity that targeted the Raja.
From: Folklore of the Santal Parganas
(1) The creature that was sent to harm the Raja by hiding in his shoe.[16] (2) An animal that Lita saved from being killed, which later offered him a magical reward.[17]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) This is a symbol of mysticism, as described in the Mission Seal.[18] (2) The rope that the man of realization will try to bring home to you, as the real nature.[19]