The spiritual landscape of Bengal is rich and diverse, deeply rooted in mythology, culture, and tradition. Among the myriad of deities revered in the region, Lakshmi and Manasa hold special significance. Although they might seem distinct at first glance, a deeper exploration reveals striking similarities and intriguing connections between these two goddesses.
The Symbolism of Serpents and Elephants
Manasa, often referred to as Nagmata, is intimately connected with serpents. Her narratives and iconography frequently depict her association with snakes, symbolizing her control over poisons and her role as a protective mother figure. Interestingly, the word “nag” also denotes an elephant or a yard in different contexts. This duality is significant when considering Lakshmi, who is often depicted with elephants, especially in her Gajalakshmi form. Elephants, symbolizing prosperity and royal power, are seen anointing her with water, a motif that underscores her role as the goddess of wealth and abundance.
The Bengal region, historically known for its dense snake population and majestic elephant armies, provides a natural backdrop for these symbols. This dual symbolism is woven into the cultural fabric, reflecting the region’s unique environmental and historical context.
Water, Movement, and Fertility
Water plays a pivotal role in the narratives of both deities. Manasa’s connection with water is evident in her association with rivers and serpents, which embody the movement and fluidity of water. Her worship during Dashahra, coinciding with the descent of the Ganga, highlights this link. Similarly, Lakshmi’s emergence from the ocean, celebrated during festivals like Kojagari Lakshmi Puja, emphasizes her aquatic origins.
Lakshmi, as the goddess of agriculture, is inherently connected to the fertility of the land. Her iconography often includes rice sheaves and grains, symbolizing her blessings on crops and the prosperity they bring. The agricultural cycle, particularly the six-month cycle from monsoon to harvest, finds echoes in the stories of Manasa. For instance, the tale of Lakhinder’s resurrection in Mansamangal aligns with this agricultural rhythm, symbolizing renewal and growth.
Poison and Nectar: The Dual Aspects
Manasa’s dual role as a harbinger of poison and a provider of its antidote, amritattva, underscores her complex nature. She embodies both the destructive and curative aspects of poison. This duality is mirrored in Lakshmi’s gentle and fierce forms. While Lakshmi is predominantly worshipped for her benevolence and prosperity, her form as Mahalakshmi in Sri Sri Chandi depicts her as a fierce demon-slayer. Moreover, in Tantric traditions, she is identified with Chamunda, a fearsome deity, further emphasizing her multifaceted nature.
The intertwining of these aspects is vividly described in Tarashankar Banerjee’s portrayal of Manasa. Here, Manasa is depicted holding a poisonous snake and pouring poison from a conch, a scene reminiscent of Lakshmi’s iconography with elephants. Both goddesses, despite their apparent gentleness, possess underlying fierceness and strength.
Kundalini Shakti and Spiritual Significance
In the realm of Yoga and Tantra, Manasa and Lakshmi are both seen as manifestations of Kundalini Shakti. Manasa’s worship in Srikula traditions and her connection to serpentine energy align with the concept of Kundalini, the coiled energy at the base of the spine. Lakshmi, as the Parama Matrika, resides in the Sahasrara (crown chakra) in Kundalini theory, symbolizing the ultimate spiritual realization.
Conclusion
The deities Lakshmi and Manasa, through their rich symbolism and multifaceted narratives, represent the profound spiritual and cultural heritage of Bengal. Their connections, from serpents and elephants to water and fertility, and from poison to spiritual energy, reflect the intricate tapestry of Bengali mythology. Understanding these connections enriches our appreciation of how these seemingly distinct deities embody the natural, agricultural, and spiritual life of the region, highlighting the profound wisdom embedded in Bengal’s religious traditions.
