File:Vasuki.PNG

Vasuki
Vasuki, literally meaning 'of divine being', is believed to be the green seven-headed Naga king who was used as a churning rope around Mount Mandara during the Samudra Manthan. He is of the same royal status as Shesha and Takshaka.Vasuki is the king of Nagas. His only daughter is princess Mandakini.

When the ocean of milk was churned for the recovery of ambrosia, serpent King Vasuki served as a rope and was tied around Meru Mountain. The poison ‘Kala Kuta which was emerging from the ocean, was about to pollute the whole universe. Lord Shiva prevented the destruction of the earth by consuming the poison emitted by the serpent. Due to the strength of poison, Shiva’s throat became dark blue. From this event, Shiva became known as “Nilakantha” which means “God with a Blue Throat”. Shiva wears the Cobra king, Vasuki around His neck. And thus Vasuki became Nâgâ Bharani/ Naaga_bhushana (snake as the ornament) to Shiva. Shiva wearing a Snake represents fearlessness and power. Snakes are always feared for their venom, and thus powerful. Vasuki, the cobra king is associated with the lingam emblem of Lord Shiva!