Statue of Manasa

Asia, India

I am the goddess Manasa. I am worshipped in the Northeast of India. I provide protection from snake bites.

People believe I have the power to eliminate the fatal effect of venom. I can be kind to those who offer me milk, fruit, flowers or perfume as a sign of worship. But people also believe that if a family neglects me, a family member will die of a snake bite.

In every area where snakes are plentiful, families possess an altar dedicated to me in their houses.

  • Have you counted how many arms I have?
  • Try to sit the way I do-in the lotus position.
  • Count the number of snakes (or nagas) standing upright behind me.
  • Do you find one of them more terrifying than the others?