Shloka 155
Śiva-nāmānukīrtana-prastāvaḥ
Prologue to the praise of Śiva and the Upamanyu testimony
भूधरो नागमौज्जी च नागकुण्डलकुण्डली । नागयज्ञोपवीती च नागचर्मोत्तरच्छद:
bhūdharo nāgamaūjjī ca nāgakuṇḍalakuṇḍalī | nāgayajñopavītī ca nāgacarmottaracchadaḥ ||
Vāsudeva dijo: «Él es el portador de la tierra; está ceñido con serpientes. Lleva pendientes de serpiente, porta un cordón sagrado (yajñopavīta) hecho de serpientes y se cubre con una piel de serpiente como manto superior». La descripción evoca a Śeṣa como sostén cósmico—marcado por la contención y el deber inquebrantable—cuyos propios ornamentos simbolizan un poder disciplinado puesto al servicio de sostener el mundo.
वासुदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse presents Śeṣa as the steadfast supporter of the world, whose serpent-ornaments signify controlled strength and disciplined power dedicated to sustaining cosmic order—an ethical ideal of bearing responsibility without ego.
Vāsudeva is describing the form and insignia of the great Nāga Śeṣa: earth-bearing, serpent-girdled, serpent-earringed, wearing a serpent-made sacred thread, and covered with serpent-skin—iconic markers identifying him and his cosmic function.