Manasa is a local
deity who is said to be a manifestation of the Goddess.
She is usually linked with snakes and snakebites, and is
revered mostly in eastern India.
Manasa's divine presence is disclosed brutally with
snakebites, which is regarded a type of divine possession, much as Shitala's
divine presence was revealed by infection with small pox.
This conception exemplifies the duality of many regional
deities, who are both strong and deadly.
It is always painful, and sometimes catastrophic, when
Manasa comes; such is the essence of human relationships with divinity.
Manasa is revered for both preventing snakebites and aiding
in the recovery of those who have been bitten, which is a very serious worry in
an agricultural nation with extremely poisonous snakes.
Annual festivals honoring her are held, during which people
chant songs in her honor and are often distinguished by divine possession and
snake-handling.
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