Why is Lord Vishnu Always Reclining on Adi Sesha? – The Silent Throne of the Goddess

In the timeless stillness that precedes creation, where no form, thought, or even vibration exists, there resides only Her — the Adi Shakti, the Primordial Mother. Before the first breath of Brahma, before the call of Vishnu, and before the renunciation of Shiva, there is only Prakriti — self-effulgent, self-originating, and self-sufficient. She is the Anadi (beginningless) and the Ananta (endless). It is from Her that energy flows into all things, and to Her, all things return.

The image of Shri Vishnu reclining on Adi Sesha, floating in the endless cosmic ocean, is one of the most iconic in Hindu dharma. But what does this really mean? This vision is not simply mythological or symbolic—it is metaphysical, cosmological, and deeply spiritual. Adi Sesha, the serpent with infinite hoods, represents the residue of the primordial energy—Adi meaning ancient or primordial, and Sesha meaning “that which remains.” After the dissolution of a kalpa, when the Universe is destroyed, what remains is not nothingness—but potential. And that potential is Adi Sesha, the condensed, coiled-up power of Shakti, the latent matrix of creation waiting to be unfolded.

Shri Vishnu, the sustainer, reclines upon this coiled energy. Why? Because Vishnu does not create from himself. He sustains what is created and orchestrates the conditions necessary for its preservation. The energy from which he manifests the blueprint of the Universe is not his own; it is given to him—gifted by the grace of the Primordial Mother, Adi Shakti. This is why Vishnu does not sit on a throne or a chariot in this cosmic depiction—he reclines, in a yogic posture, in surrender and perfect balance upon Shakti Herself, represented as Adi Sesha. It is She who nourishes the sustainer.


From this repose, Brahma is born—from the navel of Vishnu, seated on a lotus. This too is no random symbolism. Brahma does not arise from Vishnu’s head or hands—he emerges from the navel, the center of life and nourishment, as if the seed of creation is born from Vishnu’s own stillness. But again, the question arises—who provided this power? The answer is unequivocal—it is Adi Shakti. She is the one who made the sustainer capable of hosting the creator. It is She who places the Trimurtis—Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva—in their respective functions, not out of hierarchy but in accordance with their innate gunas.

Brahma, possessing the dominant quality of rajas, is naturally suited for creation—energy that expands, projects, builds. Vishnu, who is endowed with sattva, maintains the cosmic order through balance, compassion, and dharma. And Shiva, the tamasic force when viewed cosmologically, is in truth the transformer—the liberator of illusions, the dissolver of ego. Each of the Trimurtis has their unique role, just as each devotee has their unique path. And yet, all paths lead to the same source—the Divine Mother.

This is why we see Brahma calling upon Her when Asuras attack his creation. Why Vishnu worships Her as Yoga Maya, and why Shiva is always in deep dhyana, meditating on the Mula Prakriti. Despite being cosmic authorities, they all ultimately surrender to Her. The Devi Mahatmya declares this truth boldly in the Argala Stotra and Devi Saptashati. These are not merely hymns but coded blueprints of the universe, revealing the eternal law—Es Dhammo Sanantano—that even the gods are bound to Her will.


Let us now explore the Argala Stotra more deeply. The term “argala” means “bolt” or “latch,” suggesting that these verses serve as keys to unlocking the full power of the Devi Saptashati. These verses are not random praises; they are invocations that allow the devotee to approach the Devi and request her intervention. But what is unique about the Argala is the clarity with which it describes the functioning of the Devi across all aspects of life—granting wealth, destroying enemies, bestowing wisdom, ensuring victory. There is no part of human life, or divine duty, that is outside Her purview.

This is precisely why Shri Krishna, the avatara of Vishnu Himself, warns Arjuna during the Mahabharata: if you do not worship Devi, you will not win this war. The message is potent—no matter how skilled, righteous, or chosen you may be, without Devi's grace, nothing moves. This is not a poetic exaggeration—it is cosmic law. Even Shri Krishna, Yogeshwara, the wielder of Sudarshana, bows before Her.

And this law applies equally to us. We, who are not Trimurtis or gods, are often burdened by the illusion that we control our fate. But Devi’s plan is deeper, subtler, and more encompassing than our minds can perceive. Just like no two devotees are the same, no two sadhanas yield the same results. Some find ecstasy in the Argala, some in the Devi Suktam, and others in the fierce power of the Chandipath. Each soul is tuned differently, and Devi knows the right path for each.


Often, however, we go astray. We assume Devi is not listening, or not powerful enough to give what we want. We start believing that logic or effort alone will guide us. But that is where we go wrong. It is not that She refuses to give—it is that She sometimes delays, corrects, or redirects for our higher purpose. When a mother disciplines a child, it is not out of indifference—it is from deeper love. She knows what we need even before we ask.

To reject Devi is to cut off from the source of all nourishment. Just as our life began with our mother, it must—metaphorically—end with the Mother too. Our final destination, our liberation, is in Her lap. Sarvam Khalvidam Devi, says the Upanishadic tradition: “All this is indeed Devi.” And when we perform Devi Sadhana, we align ourselves to that great river of Shakti that nourishes not just our body and mind, but our very jivatma.

Engaging in Devi Sadhana is not a ritual—it is a remembrance. It is remembering that She is the one who carried us before birth, and continues to carry us even now. Whether we chant the Tantrokta Devi Suktam, the Argala Stotra, or invoke Her as Mahakali, Maha Lakshmi, or Maha Saraswati, we are always reaching back to the Mother who has never left us. We are never too late or too unworthy to begin. In fact, the very desire to begin a sadhana is itself the proof that She has already touched your soul.

The next time you see Shri Vishnu reclining on Adi Sesha, remember—He is not resting. He is in surrender, in samadhi, trusting in the remaining primordial energy that sustains even Him. That energy is Devi. And She flows through you too.

So, begin. Sit with the verses of the Argala, or chant the Devi Suktam with trembling devotion. Feel the presence of the Mother. Whether you seek victory, peace, transformation, or moksha—go to Her. She has already chosen you.