Snake worship facts for kids

This altar in a temple in Belur, India, is where the Jory Goddess is worshipped.

Snake worship is when people show respect and devotion to snakes. This practice has been around for a very long time in many different cultures around the world. In old stories and beliefs, snakes were often seen as symbols of power, or of new beginnings and life.

Snakes in Ancient Beliefs

Snakes have played important roles in many ancient religions and myths. People often saw them as special creatures with deep meanings.

Snakes in Hindu Mythology

In Hinduism, snakes are called Nagas. They are very important symbols. Nagas represent ideas like rebirth, death, and how life keeps changing. This is because snakes shed their skin, which looks like they are being "reborn" into a new form.

Snakes in Greek Mythology

Snakes also appear a lot in Greek mythology. Some ancient Greek stories even talk about a snake-like creature called "Ophion." He was believed to be one of the first rulers of the world.

Snakes in Gnosticism

The Gnostics were a group of people with special religious beliefs. They thought of the snake as a "god of good." For them, the snake was a symbol of wisdom and knowledge.

Images for kids

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  The Caduceus, a symbol of the god Ningishzida, on a vase from the Sumerian ruler Gudea, around 2100 BCE.

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  A snake design on Bronze Age pottery found in Rumailah, Al Ain.

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  A lion-faced, snake-like deity from a Gnostic gem. This might show the Demiurge.

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  Mami Wata, a spirit who is very important in many African and African-American religions.

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  A classic Maya vision serpent, shown at Yaxchilan.

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  The Raimondi Stela from the Chavín culture in Ancash, Peru. It shows a figure with fangs, claws, and snakes for hair.

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  Manasa in a village in the Sundarbans, West Bengal, India.

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  People showing devotion to Nagadevata.

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  Naga Temple at Kukke Subramanya Swamy temple, Karnataka.

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  A roadside temple dedicated to Snakes in Tamil Nadu, India.

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  A statue of Asclepius in the Pergamon Museum, Berlin.

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  A Naag (serpent) at Naksaal, Kathmandu.

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  A Nag at Nag pokhari, Naksaal, Kathmandu.

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  The Snake God Naga and his partner. This photo is from the cave temples of Ajanta, Maharashtra, India.

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  Krishna dancing over the snake Kaliya at the sand-covered temple ruins in Talakkadu, Karnataka, India.

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  A design of a snake goddess. This carving is on volcanic rock at the Kailash Temple, Ellora, India.

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  An altar for snake worship from South India.