Ādiśesha

Ādiśesha is the great serpent who is the couch of Bhagavān Vishṇu. The Brahma Khaṇḍa of the Garuḍa Mahā Purāṇa records Śrī Kṛshṇa’s teaching to Garuḍa about where Ādiśesha came from and why. It also tells of the avatāras (descents) that Ādiśesha takes so that he can always serve Bhagavān Vishṇu.

Ādiśesha arose from the ahaṃ-tattva along with Garuḍa and Hara. He exists to be the śayyā (couch) on which Bhagavān Vishṇu rests in yoga-nidrā (yogic sleep). In each avatāra of Bhagavān Vishṇu, Ādiśesha is born in a matching human birth.

Origin

Ādiśesha came from the ahaṃ-tattva (the principle of “I-ness”) that Bhagavān Vishṇu and Lakshmī made together during the prākṛta sṛshṭi (the creation of nature). Garuḍa and Hara (Rudra) also arose from this same ahaṃ-tattva. Three aṃśas (parts) live within Ādiśesha: the aṃśas of Vishṇu, Vāyu and Ananta.

His whole āvirbhāva (coming into being) was for one purpose. He was to give Bhagavān Nārāyaṇa a divine couch and a place for yoga-nidrā. Bhagavān Nārāyaṇa lies in yoga-nidrā on Ādiśesha in the cosmic ocean, together with Śrī, and Lakshmī stays at his side.

This is taught in the Garuḍa Mahā Purāṇa, Brahma Khaṇḍa, Chapter 18.

Garuḍa’s place

Śrī Kṛshṇa tells Garuḍa about Garuḍa’s own place as well. Garuḍa made a vow: “I will always serve Nārāyaṇa and always worship him.” In every birth he therefore takes his place near the śayana-sthala (the place of rest) and stays close to Bhagavān Nārāyaṇa. This lasting icchā (wish to serve) keeps Garuḍa near Bhagavān Nārāyaṇa in every cosmic cycle. This too is in the Brahma Khaṇḍa, Chapter 18.

Avatāras of Ādiśesha

As Lakshmaṇa in the Rāma avatāra

Śrī Hari came down as Rāma, the son of Daśaratha and Kauśalyā. Ādiśesha was born as Lakshmaṇa, Rāma’s younger brother. In this birth Ādiśesha kept his eternal vow:

nityaṃ svāmine sevā

This means “always serving the master.” Lakshmaṇa served Rāma without wavering in the forest, in the battle against Rāvaṇa and in every hardship.

As Balarāma in the Kṛshṇa avatāra

In the next avatāra, Ādiśesha was born as Balarāma, the elder brother of Śrī Kṛshṇa. Again he stood at the side of Bhagavān Vishṇu and kept the same eternal purpose of service and company.

The bhakti of Ādiśesha

The Purāṇa teaches that Ādiśesha’s bhakti (devotion) is that of a nitya-sevaka, an eternal servant. He does not seek moksha (liberation) apart from Bhagavān Vishṇu. His liberation is to be always in the presence of Bhagavān Vishṇu and in his service. His births as Lakshmaṇa and Balarāma show that such a devotee goes with Bhagavān Vishṇu even into his avatāra births.

Sources

• Garuḍa Mahā Purāṇa, Brahma Khaṇḍa, Chapter 18