Ananta · Adishesha
The cosmic serpent on whom Vishnu rests, regarded as Lakshmana.
Accounts of this vary across texts and traditions. This entry primarily follows Puranic tradition, with other tellings (Valmiki Ramayana) noted where relevant.
Shesha, also called Ananta, is the thousand-headed serpent on whom Vishnu rests. In tradition, Lakshmana is regarded as his incarnation.
Because Rama is an avatar of Vishnu, Lakshmana is traditionally regarded as an avatar of Shesha. At the end of his life, according to the tradition, Lakshmana returned to his form as Shesha.
This entry is independently written for myVamsam using the sources listed above. Where traditions differ, this entry identifies the relevant tradition rather than presenting one account as universally established fact.