Shive-ling and Nag Devata

Once there lived a small tribe of people in the mountains of Teheri Gharwal.  They were devotees of Lord Shiva and lead a very simple life. Children played on streets of village  without fear. One could hear the laughter and mirth all around. Everybody seemed to know everybody in this green but secluded village. The women would carry vessels of spring water from the stream three miles away.They walked in groups while old men of the village would gather together to smoke hukka after lunch.


Young adults had to walk to nearby town for  their livelihood.Walking along the footpath through the forest was no challenge to them at day time. But after sunset one would not dare step out of their houses for  fear of becoming a prey to tigers or wild foxes. The worst fear was of snakes who quietly slither under the fallen leaves of autumn. The villagers were absolutely fear stricken of one big cobra that was seen occasionally graciously moving around the forest and no one knew where the snake  just seemed to disappear in few seconds of sighting. 

The villagers had warned their children of the snake  and cautioned them to go anywhere near the forest.Children were notified to stay away from any temptation that may lead them into trouble.They were strictly advised to play together around the local streets.

The fear of snake was so much so, that children would run away for their lives by the slightest glimpse of smallest snake; leave alone the Naag. 
On contrary, Naag was very fond of watching Kids play and laugh.It adored burnished eyes that glittered with innocent happiness. Poor Naag did not like it a bit when children screamed and run away at the sight of him. He often marvelled why humans behaved this way. He felt lonely and ostracised from society which was the part of his habitat.
Naag lived in the hole of a birch tree which was hidden away from big and small trees around it. He was a quiet and calm snake. He didn't harm or bother anyone. All it desired was to watch children playing so often he perched on top of his home tree to get a good view of cheerful children.

 Most human beings are scared by the very name  'Snake'. And Naag being a 'Cobra', made him even  more dangerous. People in India worship 'Naag' for a simple reason that it symbolises 'Lord  Shiva'. They offer milk if they see one to calm it.  But no one ever dare go near any snake for  fear of becoming victim of its wrath.

 A ‘Cobra’ is a long slithering snake with spots on its  body and a big hood. Its deadly poisonous fangs make it extremely dangerous species of reptiles. Especially it's bifurcated tongue. It always sticks out, warning people to be aware of its deadly venom. Children were explained about its venom.So the fear of snake was more than the presence of a demon itself.

Naag always wondered why people were frightened of him! He has done no harm to anyone. In fact he loved watching kids playing, laughing and chatting, helping each other or at times even wrestling in mud! He wanted to be a part of all this in this small village. 

He prayed to God Vishnu. Vishnu answered his prayer. Naag begged Vishnu to bless him so that people don't get scared and run away from him but accept and respect him for what it is. God Vishnu was pleased with him and said," Tathastu." Meaning "I grant you the wish."

The snake was quite happy and he thought perhaps he would be able to slither around freely and watch children without frightening them.But children had no reason to get lured and they escaped its sight to hide away in their homes.
Cobra stayed still.
Next day again all giggling and laughter stopped at the sight of Naag. 
But Naag stayed still.

The children were not sure in the beginning but they stayed still when they saw the snake watching them quietly. 

Mannu  threw a stone at the snake to hush it away. The snake didn't budge.Then suddenly all the kids picked up the stones and threw stones at him to scare it away. They thought it would retrace its steps to jungle.But the snake just lay there ignoring them despite being injured. He wanted them to know that he is not there to frightened them but to be with them.

Children told their parents at home how they scared the snake away. Their hearts stopped beating for a second with mention of sighting a ‘Naag’. They didn’t believe their ears. But when all the children narrated the same story, parents were not pleased. They were surprised at snake’s behaviour. How can a snake  behave contrary to its normal nature and avoid what it always does. Villagers were not sure of cobra's unusual conduct.

 Next day again Naag hid behind the tree and watched children playing and giggling. But as soon as the children saw Naag, they all picked up the stones. Foisted by previous days act they started pelting at him. Naag was wounded and hurt. He was bleeding but the children took no pity on him. They were actually winning over the deadly snake! The snake thought for a while and hid itself from cruel children. Now he was afraid of humans!

Naag was disappointed and hurt by human’s attitude. He went back to its hole to hide away from children's torture.

The next day, snake went back to Lord Vishnu and narrated its encounter with young human race. Lord Vishnu smiled and said, “Dear Naag, I granted you the wish to be with people but I never stopped you from 'hissing' on confrontation. When time demands, use your natural gift. Open your hood and hiss". Snake thought for a while and took the advice. The result was incredible! As soon as the kids picked up the stone, he hissed and opened his hood.  The children were startled and stood quiet in a semicircle when they saw him upright and taller than them. They looked scared. Naag didn't want them to be afraid of him. He composed himself. Didn't strike or hissed. Very gracefully, he made his way to the temple nearby and curled himself around  'Shiva-ling'.It felt calm and composed.

Before the sunset, people of the village brought milk and other offerings to the temple as usual. As soon as they saw the snake around Shiva ling, they left all the offerings and alms at the foot of Shiva-ling and crawled away and knelt at the door of the temple.  Naag was hungry and swallowed the fruits in the offering and slurped all the milk. He felt contented and happy.
It stood up with its hood to thank God. Then, without making a sound, Naag elegantly glided to the forest and into the hole of the birch tree. 
Stunned the villagers joined their hands and thanked Lord Shiva for saving  people from wrath of Cobra. 

Ever since then we do hear snakes hissing but seldom using their fangs unless disturbed or provoked.
Moral of the story : Use your skills wisely and implement it when needed.

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