Manasa and Neta by Jan Fries
MANASA AND NETA Myth and Magick of East India's Serpent Goddesses By Jan Fries "This not a bone-dry study. The Manasa Epic is alive, like you and me and the goddesses who made it happen” The wild, bizarre and epic story of the serpent goddess Manasā and her sister Neta has inspired poets in India for more than 500 years. The Manasā Epic is a collection of stories which were retold, extended, modified, changed and embellished by more than fifty poets over the years. It draws on elements from folktales, vrata rituals, verses from ballads, and episodes from sacred literature such as the Mahābhārata, the Brahmā Vaivarta Purāṇa and many others. Author Jan Fries traces the history and origins of this fascinating cult, as well as providing comparative associations with Eurasian snake cults. “The Manasā Epic was an all-time favourite. More than any other maṅgalkāvya, her tale became popular over a range of more than a thousand kilometres. It was a unifying cultural influence, bridging the gaps between religions, classes and ethnic groups. The process hasn’t stopped. To this day, new versions are created…” This comprehensive study additionally considers the Nāga cults, kuṇḍalinī, snake charming, venoms and elixirs. This is a book about the serpent goddesses, but it is also about Śiva, Durgā, Gaṅgā, Viṣṇu, Brahmā and many of the other Indian gods and goddesses. Manasā and Neta is more than an academic study. Readers are invited to participate in an unprecedented journey of invocation, myth and magick. Included are a collection of Vedic rituals, pūjā ceremonies, mantra practice, kuṇḍalinī, breathing and awareness exercises combined with experiential insight and understanding. Jan Fries continues the tradition of retelling the epic and complements it with his exceptional visionary insights, just like the poets before him. 2019, 482 pages. Hardback laminate, paperback & Kindle editions available. ISBN 978-1-910191-14-9 B&W 8.5 x 11 in or 280 x 216 mm Perfect Bound on White w/Gloss Lam ISBN 978-1-910191-15-6 B&W 8.5 x 11 in or 280 x 216 mm Case Laminate on White w/Gloss Lam
Table of Contents
Picture legends Acknowledgements A swift introduction Primal blessing Classical invocation In the evening A fairy tale: Manasā’s Brata story PART ONE: ŚIVA Creation, traditional Creation, bengal style Gangā Courtship Married life PART TWO: MANASĀ Lotusborn Outside Tigerfight Milkocean Husbands Over there Duel Cowherds Hāssan and Hussein PART THREE: CĀNDO Power Fishermen Sonakā’s conversion Conflict Dhanvantari Journey to Anupāma Pātana Journey to Daksin pātana Return Coming home PART FOUR: BEHULĀ Heaven Beans Plans Marriage Iron-house Water’s edge Downstream Dark waters Back Thanksgiving PART FIVE: FUN WITH SNAKES Snake charming The Nāga cults Kundalinī: the tantric fire snake PART SIX: VENOMS AND ELIXIRS Drugs and spices Cāndo’s paradise Auspicious songs Manasā mangals Brata rituals PART SEVEN: THE CULT OF MANASĀ Practical worship Live performance Seasons of the snake West Bengal East Bengal Tripura and Bihar Assam PART EIGHT: MEDITATION AND RITUAL Dhyāna instructions A tantric goddess First pūjā instruction Mantras Second pūjā instruction Third pūjā instruction Fast pūjā instruction Divine names Ouroboros Appendix: the sources Bibliography Index
About the Author
The author of Kali Kaula, Dragon Bones, Manasa and Neta, and The Seven Names of Lamastu, Jan Fries is one of the leading magickal authors of the 21st century. Jan is known for his exciting and practical works, and the breadth of scholarship with which he infuses them.
He lives and works in Germany.
