Dr Rakesh Verma
rakeshforests@gmail.com
Vasuki Nag, the revered King of Serpents, holds a significant position in Hindu mythology. Known as the son of the sage Kashyapa and his wife Kadru, Vasuki is famously depicted as the divine ornament coiled around Lord Shiva’s neck and is celebrated for his crucial role as the churning rope during the Samudra Manthan (Churning of the Ocean of Milk). While these pan-Indian myths focus on his divine associations and his siblings, such as the elder serpent Shesha, a rich and distinct tapestry of folklore surrounding his direct descendants flourishes in the Duggar region of Jammu and Kashmir.
This exploration delves into the fascinating local legends of Vasuki’s children, with special emphasis on his sons Kae Dev and Bhaid Dev, whose stories are deeply woven into the geography, culture, and spiritual identity of Jammu.
The Progeny of Vasuki Nag in Dogra Tradition
According to the ancient history and oral traditions of the Duggar region, Nagraj Vasuki fathered a vast family, believed to consist of 22 sons and 84 daughters. All of these offspring are considered ichchhadhari (shape-shifting) serpent deities. Among this extensive lineage, the stories of the eldest son, Kae Dev, and the youngest son, Bhaid Dev, are of paramount importance and form the basis of a foundational regional myth.
The central legend recounts a time when Vasuki Nag was afflicted with a severe skin ailment. He was advised by a healer that only by bathing in sacred water brought from the divine Kailash Mountain by one of his own kin could he be cured. Seizing this opportunity to determine his successor, Vasuki declared a contest: whoever among his sons could bring the water from Kailash to Jammu first would be granted the rule of the kingdom.
Baba Bhaid Devta, the King of Jammu: Vasuki held a deep affection for his youngest son, Bhaid Dev. Using his divine powers (mayashakti), the serpent king assisted Bhaid Dev, enabling him to channel the Tawi River from its glacial source and bring its waters to Jammu ahead of all his brothers. True to his word, Vasuki handed over the rule of the Jammu kingdom to his youngest son, who came to be known as Raja Bhed Devta. For this monumental feat, he is revered as a Kuldevta (clan deity) by numerous Rajput clans in the region.
Kae Devta, the King of Akhnoor: Kae Dev, the eldest son, felt a sense of injustice, believing his father had shown partiality. To avert a conflict between his sons, Vasuki Nag wisely advised Kae Dev that he need not fight for a kingdom; instead, the lands he would irrigate with his own channel of water would become his domain. Following this counsel, Kae Dev undertook the immense task of diverting the Chandrabhaga River (now known as the Chenab) to the arid lands of Akhnoor, transforming the region into a fertile paradise. For this achievement, he was crowned the king of Akhnoor and is venerated as Baba Kahi.
The Tale of Kae Dev: Bringing Life to Akhnoor
Kae Dev’s story is a powerful narrative of resilience, determination, and the transformative power of water. As the eldest son, he might have expected to inherit the kingdom of Jammu, but fate had a different path in store for him. His response to the perceived injustice was not one of resentment or rebellion, but of proactive creation.
Understanding the value of his father’s wisdom, Kae Dev embraced the challenge of transforming a barren landscape into a fertile one. The diversion of the Chandrabhaga River was no small feat; it required immense strength, strategic planning, and a deep understanding of the land. Through his efforts, Kae Dev not only brought water to Akhnoor but also brought prosperity and life to its people.
His kingship was not granted but earned, not inherited but created. This makes Kae Dev’s story a particularly compelling one, highlighting the importance of self-reliance, innovation, and the ability to turn adversity into opportunity. His legacy is etched into the landscape of Akhnoor, a testament to his vision and his dedication to his people.
Sacred Shrines: The Abodes of the Serpent Deities
The legends of Vasuki’s children are not merely abstract tales; they are anchored to specific sacred sites across Jammu, which continue to be centers of pilgrimage and worship.
The shrine of Kae Devta, located at Jia Pota Ghat in Akhnoor, holds particular significance. The presence of the holy chains (Soungals) and the belief that the monsoon’s arrival is signaled when the river’s waters touch them underscore the intimate connection between the deity, the river, and the agricultural cycle of the region. Pilgrims flock to this site, seeking blessings and paying homage to the king who brought life-giving waters to their land.
Cultural Echoes: The Lament in Dogri Folk Songs
The division of the kingdom, though a peaceful resolution, brought great sorrow to Vasuki Nag. This profound sense of familial separation is immortalized in the poignant folk music of the Dogra people. These songs, passed down through generations, serve as a living history of the region’s mythology.
One famous verse laments:
“Jammua da tikka Bhaidgimiliya, Akhnoore da raja Kai.” (The royal mark of Jammu was given to Bhaid, while Kai became the king of Akhnoor.)
Another song captures the father’s sentiment:
“Vandi dita e raj Jammua da, Vasukakheanapaaduhai.” (The kingdom of Jammu has been divided; Vasuki says do not cry foul.)
These musical traditions underscore the deep cultural connection between the Naga deities, the life-giving rivers they are credited with creating, and the identity of the people of Jammu. The songs are not just historical accounts but also emotional expressions of the bonds between family, land, and divinity.
The Significance of Water in Naga Lore
The stories of Kae Dev and Bhaid Dev highlight a recurring theme in Naga mythology: the importance of water as a life-sustaining and transformative force. In a region where agriculture is vital, the control and management of water resources have always been paramount. The Naga deities, with their ability to channel rivers and bring fertility to the land, are thus revered as protectors and benefactors of the people.
The connection between Nagas and water is not limited to these two deities. Many Naga shrines are located near water sources, and rituals often involve the offering of water or bathing in sacred pools. This reflects the ancient belief that water is not just a physical resource but also a spiritual element, capable of cleansing, healing, and bestowing blessings.
The Enduring Legacy of the Nagas
The tales from mythology, local folklore, and oral traditions all converge on a single point: serpents have historically been benevolent figures and benefactors to humanity. From the Vedic era to the present day, these stories demonstrate that Nagas are not merely creatures to be feared but guardians of nature’s treasures, bringers of fertility, and protectors of the environment.
The story of Kae Dev, in particular, serves as an inspiring example of how adversity can be overcome through innovation and dedication. His transformation of Akhnoor from an arid land into a fertile paradise stands as a testament to the power of human agency and the life-giving potential of water.
As modern science also recognizes that the vast majority of serpents are non-venomous and vital to ecological balance, it reinforces the ancient wisdom of viewing them as integral friends of nature. It is a shared responsibility to protect these beings and abandon any cruelty towards them, preserving them for the generations to come. The legends of Vasuki’s sons, especially the tale of Kae Dev, remind us of the importance of respecting nature, valuing water, and honoring the deities who have shaped the landscape and culture of Jammu.
The main temple of Kae Dev is situated on the banks of the Chenab River at Piyan village of Mera Mandrian tehsil, where every year the half-yearly fest of the new crop is celebrated by offering the food grains first at the Shrine of Kae Dev, where a community langar is organised, which is locally called asDhaam. After this, the food items are used at homes. When a bride and groom come to her in-laws for the first time after marriage, both the bride and groom come to the shrine of Baba Kae Dev in full marriage attire and go for seven rounds of the Pindis, which is locally called as Tarage Fere; only after this ritual is the marriage considered to be complete. A newborn male child is taken to the shrine, and the parents cut his hairs for the first time; until then, the use of any instrument like scissors is prohibited. The Chela of Kae Dev usually have Chowki of Kai Dev, after which the congregation (mail) is considered complete. The parents of the male child offer a male goat to the shrine, and after prayers, the male goat gives the shivering to his body, which means that Kae Raj has accepted the offerings.
Kae Dev’s temple at Piyan stands as a vibrant testament to his enduring legacy. The rituals and traditions observed here reflect the deep-seated reverence for Kae Dev and the pivotal role he plays in the lives of the local community. The annual crop festival, the marriage rituals, and the first haircut ceremony for male children all underscore the deity’s significance in ensuring prosperity, familial harmony, and the continuation of traditions. These practices, passed down through generations, keep the spirit of Kae Dev alive and relevant in the modern era, ensuring that his contributions to the region’s cultural and agricultural landscape are never forgotten. His story continues to inspire and guide, reminding the people of Akhnoor and beyond of the transformative power of dedication and the enduring importance of honoring nature’s gifts.
(The author is from J&K Forest Services)
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