Bible Encyclopedias
Ananden

Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

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in Hindu mythology, is the monstrous snake supporting the earth. The figures of the Indian priests represent her curled up, with her five heads erect. Vishnu sits upon her as upon a throne, and is said at one time to have used two of her heads as a pillow, the third as a footstool, and on the fourth and fifth he laid his hands. Now the snake desired to know what he would do if another head should grow. Presently a sixth head grew, and from the body of Vishnu a third hand appeared; then a seventh head, and at the same time a fourth hand; and thus up to a thousand heads, when the snake saw fit to withdraw from further trial of Vishnu's power. Every head of the snake sparkles with precious pearl, in which Vishnu's image is reflected a thousandfold. Ananden was the huge snake which was wound round the Mandar Mountain. In the wars between the good and evil spirits the snake takes an active part.