anuśikha

 Anuśikha (अनुशिख) is a Sanskrit term referring to a serpent-priest (Nāga) mentioned in ancient Hindu texts, where it functioned as a priest officiating in a sacrificial rite.

Etymology

The word Anuśikha is formed as a compound of two Sanskrit 

components: anu meaning "after" or "following," and śikha meaning

"crest" or "tuft." Thus, the term can be literally interpreted as "one 

with a following crest" or "he who bears a small tuft," possibly

alluding to the serpent's appearance or symbolic identifying 

mark in rituals

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Mythological Reference

In Hinduism, Anuśikha appears in the Pañchaviṃśa-Brāhmaṇa and Tāṇḍyabrāhmaṇa texts as the name of a Nāga (serpent) that 

officiated as a Potṛ-priest in a sacrificial ritual aimed at overcoming 

death. This highlights the term's ceremonial and spiritual significance

in Vedic rites, emphasizing the Nāga's role in sacred rituals and mythology

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Summary

• Sanskrit Term: अनुषिख / Anuśikha
• Components: anu + śikha
• Meaning: Name of a serpent-priest; possibly "follower of the crest"
• Context: Hindu mythology, Vedic sacrifice, Pañchaviṃśa-Brāhmaṇa, Tāṇḍyabrāhmaṇa
• Function: Served as officiating priest (Potṛ) in rituals connected to
• life, death, and spiritual power

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Thus, Anuśikha is a specialized mytho-ritual term rather than a common

everyday word, combining both natural imagery and a religious

role in ancient Vedic practices.