वासुकि
Vaikunta, also known as Paramapada, is the sacred abode of Lord Vishnu, one of the three primary deities in Hinduism. According to Hindu mythology, Vaikunta is a realm of unparalleled beauty and bliss, where Vishnu resides in eternal slumber, surrounded by the celestial music of the Gandharvas and the soothing presence of his consort, Lakshmi.
The entrance to Vaikunta is guarded by the two Gandharvas, Jaya and Vijaya, who are tasked with ensuring that only those who are pure of heart and worthy of entering the divine realm are allowed to pass. Once inside, one is met with the breathtaking sight of Vishnu reclining on the body of the enormous thousand-headed serpent, Adisesha.
Adisesha, also known as Ananta Shesha, is a powerful and ancient serpent who has been tasked with supporting the weight of the universe. According to legend, Adisesha is said to have been created by the gods themselves to serve as a bed for Vishnu during his eternal slumber. The serpent’s body is said to be as long as the universe itself, and its thousand heads are said to be the embodiment of the infinite wisdom and knowledge of the cosmos.
Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity and good fortune, is said to be by Vishnu’s side, gently pressing his feet and lulling him to sleep with her soothing presence. Her presence is said to be the source of the eternal peace and tranquility that pervades the realm of Vaikunta.
Vaikunta is often described as a realm of unparalleled beauty, where the very air is said to be filled with the sweet scent of flowers and the soft music of the Gandharvas. It is said to be a place where time stands still, and where the very fabric of reality is woven together by the threads of divine love and compassion.
In Hindu mythology, Vaikunta is often depicted as a symbol of the ultimate goal of human existence, where the soul can finally find rest and liberation from the cycle of birth and death. It is said to be the ultimate destination of those who have lived a life of devotion and righteousness, and who have purified their hearts and minds through the practice of yoga and meditation.
The story of Vaikunta is closely linked to other important figures in Hindu mythology, including the demon king Hiranyakashyap, who was said to have been killed by Vishnu in his avatar as Narasimha, and the goddess Lakshmi, who is said to have been born from the churning of the ocean of milk. Together, these characters form a rich tapestry of stories and themes that continue to inspire and guide millions of people around the world.