1870,] The Vdstu Ydga. 215 



properly be called a case of reptile worship. But though, the Hin- 

 du propitiates Manasa with a view to be saved from snake-bites 

 during the next twelve months, on no account whatever does he 

 worship idols of snakes. Here it may be noted that Ananta is 

 classed among the great snakes. The Sastra runs thus-- 



^ifCR | 



After Vistmu has gone to sleep on the fifth lunar day of the dark fortnight, 

 let the goddess Manasa abiding in the milky -juice tree be worshipped. After 

 Vishnu has retired, and all the other gods on the fifth wane the Pannagi 

 (she-serpent) awakes. One who worships the Devi and makes obeisance to 

 her, and on the fifth day makes offerings to the Nagas, commencing with Ananta, 

 one of the great serpents, has never to fear from snakes. Devi Purana. 



The several Nagas mentioned to be worshipped are : Ananta, 

 Vasuki, Padma, S'ankha, Kamvala, Karkotaka, Dhrtarashtra, San- 

 khaka, Kaliya, Takshaka, &c* 



Of these the first eight serpents serve for the consecration of a 

 tank. Their names are inscribed on mango leaves, and these are put 



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