Snakes and Ladders

[Sriram]

Hi everyone,

Everyone knows of the board game Snakes & Ladders. This game is of ancient Indian origin and was called originally called Moksha Patam.  Moksha means liberation or salvation and patam means picture. It is believed to have been created in the 13th century.

It is a game that shows different stages of spiritual growth and different virtues and vices.  The ultimate goal or 100th square is moksha or liberation. Certain virtues make us go up faster towards liberation (ladders) and certain vices bring us down (snakes).  This is an indication of karmic effects.

This is a very popular game that is played by adults particularly during days of religious fasting and when people have to stay awake the whole night (Shiva ratri) as a part of self discipline.

Spiritual development and spiritual messages were a part of everything, even fun and games.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snakes_and_Ladders

This was later taken by the British and made into the Snakes & Ladders as a children's game. 

I remembered it today after many years when I saw a child playing snakes & ladders.

Cheers.

Sriram

[SusanDoris]

Yes, quite interesting, but what is the question for discussion here?

[Steve H]

Yes, quite interesting, but what is the question for discussion here?

Does there have to be one? Sriram was just telling us an interesting little factlet.

[Roses]

Snakes and ladders was the only board game I enjoyed playing, not that I ever cared who won, not being in the least bit competitive.

[SusanDoris]

Does there have to be one? Sriram was just telling us an interesting little factlet.

Well, the title of this part of the site is called 'General discussion' not 'random facts', even if the facts are of some interest.