Meet Vasuki Indicus: World’s largest snake, 49-foot long, weighs…,; found in…

For years, the colossal Titanoboa, measuring a staggering 42 feet, held the undisputed title of being the world's largest or longest snake. But now it has changed.

For almost two decades, dedicated researchers from IIT Roorkee have meticulously studied these remains. Their findings reveal a fascinating connection to Vasuki Naag, the revered mythical serpent famously depicted as a divine ornament around Lord Shiva’s neck.

This scientific breakthrough not only challenges our previous understanding of the largest snake to ever grace the Earth but also adds an unexpected layer of credibility to ancient Indian scriptures that speak of mighty serpents like Vasuki.

A fossil recently discovered in Gujarat has been identified as “Vasuki Indicus”, one of the largest snakes on earth. Its length is said to be between 36 to 50 feet. Researchers believe that it may have weighed up to 1 ton or 1,000 kilograms. This fossil has been named after the snake king Vasuki described in Hindu mythology.

For a long time, the Titanoboa was considered the undisputed champion of ancient snakes, believed to be the longest at 42 feet. However, the newly uncovered Vasuki fossil changes everything. At a breathtaking 49 feet, it potentially takes the crown as the largest snake ever unearthed on Earth.

The most astonishing fact is that this species managed to adapt and survive through catastrophic events, even those that led to the extinction of dinosaurs.

Mythological significance

Vasuki Naag is also associated with the Matsya avatar of Lord Vishnu. According to this legend, the Matsya avatar of Lord Vishnu had said to a king Satyavrat, ‘At the time of deluge, you tie a boat to my horn with the help of Vasuki Naag, on which you ride along with the Vedas and creatures. This will recreate the universe’.

Vasuki Naag is the same Naag that sits around Lord Shiva’s neck. It is considered to be Shiva’s favorite servant and is also called the king of snakes. During the Samudra Manthan between the Gods and Demons for Amrit, instead of a rope, Vasuki was tied to Mount Meru and Samudra Manthan was done.