Nāgadhanva Tīrtha
Nāgadhanva is a tīrtha (sacred bathing place) on the Sarasvatī river, a short distance from the Dvaitavana. It is the home of Vāsuki, the king of serpents.
Location and name
The Nāgadhanva tīrtha lies on the Sarasvatī river, to the south of the Dvaitavana. Its name, Nāga-dhanva, means “serpent-bow” or “serpent-abode”. The name points to its link with the world of the nāgas (serpents).
Vāsuki at Nāgadhanva
The Mahābhārata describes this tīrtha as the permanent home of Vāsuki, the king and ruler of all serpents (pannagaśreshṭha). Vāsuki lives here always and shines with great tejas (radiance). Large serpents move freely about the tīrtha.
The text says that 14,000 ṛshis and devas come to this tīrtha to attend on Vāsuki and to perform abhishekas (anointings) for the serpent king.
One quality marks this tīrtha. No fear of serpents troubles anyone who comes here.
Balarāma at Nāgadhanva
Balarāma visited Nāgadhanva during his pilgrimage along the Sarasvatī. He gave generous gifts of ratnas (jewels) and other valuables here. Then he went on eastward along the river.
Sources
- Mahābhārata, Śalya Parva, Chapter 38