Who Is the Father of Goddess Manasa – Shiva or Kashyap?

Goddess Manasa, the serpent deity and snakebites guardian in Hindu mythology, has a dual heritage. While some texts identify Sage Kashyapa as her ancestor, others identify Lord Shiva (Mahadev) as her father.
Who is Goddess Manasa's father? Kashyap Muni or Mahadev?
Who is the father of Goddess Manasa? Mahadev or Kashyap Muni?
Goddess Manasa, the serpent deity and snakebites' protector in Hindu mythology, has two ancestries. While one story refers to her father as Sage Kashyapa, another names her father as Lord Shiva (Mahadev).
Who is Manasa's father, then? Let's examine both traditions, their applicability, and the implications of this dualism for her divine essence.

1. Lord Shiva (Mahadev) is Manasa's father.

The Daughter of the Divine Mind.
Origin Story: During intense concentration, Shiva's thoughts (Manas) gave rise to Manasa, according to the Bengali Mangal Kavyas and Puranas.
Why?
Shiva's consort, Goddess Parvati, desired a daughter, which resulted in Manasa's celestial emergence.
Early Struggles: Initially rejected by Shiva because of her ferocious nature, she was eventually embraced after demonstrating her power.
Spiritual Significance
Connection to Neelkanth: Shiva's control over poison (from Samudra Manthan) corresponds to Manasa's control over snakes.
Tantric Link: She represents Shiva's untamed force, Rudra-Shakti.
Sacred Text Reference: Shiva Purana, Brihaddharma Purana 

2. Sage Kashyapa is Manasa's father.

According to the Mahabharata and Brahma Vaivarta Purana, Manasa is the daughter of Sage Kashyapa and Kadru, the serpent-mother.
Siblings: She is the sister of Shesha Naag and Vasuki, which connects her to the snake world.
Mythological Significance
Naga Culture: Identified as a serpent goddess in Vedic tradition.
Earthly Connection: Unlike Shiva's mind-born origin, this connects her to physical creation.
Sacred Text Reference: Mahabharata (Adi Parva).

Why two fathers? The Hidden Truth

The duality is not a contradiction; it is symbolic:
Shiva (Mahadev) represents the divine, consciousness-born aspect.
Kashyapa represents her earthly, Naga-associated lineage.
Regional Variations: In Bengal and Eastern India, she is worshipped as Shiva's daughter, which is fundamental to Manasa Mangal tradition.
North and South India: Often associated with the Naga ancestry of Kashyapa.
Tantra and Naga Worship: Her Kashyapa ancestry is significant if you wish to be shielded from snakes.
Chant "Om Shri Manasa Deviyai Namah" for blessings.

FAQs About Goddess Manasa

"Om Shri Manasa Deviyai Namah" should be chanted for blessings.

 Q1.Is Manasa worshipped individually or in conjunction with Shiva?
Both! In Bengal, she is a part of the Shiva-Parvati ceremony, but in South India, she is worshipped as a Naga deity.
Q2: What role does she play in modern worship?
Mothers and farmers often pray to her for protection, fertility, and snakebite treatment.
Q3: Is there a temple in Manasa?
Yes! Notable examples include Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, and Assam.
Conclusion: Two Truths, One Goddess.
Manasa's dual fatherhood serves as the clearest example of Hinduism's flexible mythology, in which celestial identities change according to philosophical and regional requirements.