Naga, is a semi-divine serpentine deity from Hindu or Buddhist mythology. The name, Naga,
is a Sanskrit word, which means "serpent", or snake.
Nagas are a strong and magnificent race of half-human, half-serpent beings, that can
appear in 3 distinct forms: as wholly humans with snakes on their head and neck, as regular
serpents, or as half-human half-snake beings.
A female naga is a called "Nagini", "Nagin", or "Nagi".
Naginis, or Nagis, are serpent princesses of striking beauty. So great is their beauty
that they say it enchants any mortal who beholds them.
The Nagas, are believed to reside in an enchanted underworld realm called, Naga-loka, or Patala-loka.
A realm which is beautifully decorated and filled with gems, gold and other earthly treasures.
This underground realm is presided over, by a great Naga lord called, Nagaraja. Nagaraja
is seen as the king of nāgas and nāginis.
In the myths, the initial domain of the Nagas, was the earth, before it became the underworld
realm of Naga-loka.
It is said that the Hindu God, Brahma, translocated the nagas to the underworld, because they
had become too populous on earth, and commanded them to bite only the truly evil or those
destined to die prematurely. Some Nagas remained on earth, and are often associated with bodies
of waters — including rivers, lakes, seas, and wells — and are guardians of treasure.
Now, Nagas, although powerful, have an arch-enemy, which they greatly fear.Their eternal mortal
enemies are, the Garudas. Garudas are legendary semi-divine birdlike deities, supposedly more
powerful than Nagas.
In quite a number of traditions, Nagas and Naginis, are seen as dark, mischievous and
malevolent creatures, which are never up to any good.Their powerful nature and venom made
them potentially dangerous to humans.
However in Hinduism and Buddhism, Nagas are often seen
As benevolent and protective beings, who often played protagonistic roles, and performed
heroic deeds.
In Hinduism, There are Three notable nagas. 1. Shesha (also known as Ananta), who in the
Hindu myth of creation supports Vishnu, as he lies on the cosmic ocean, and on whom the
created world rests. 2. Vasuki, a nāgarāja who abides on Shiva's
neck, and was used as a churning rope to churn the cosmic ocean of milk.
And 3. Takshaka, the tribal chief of the snakes.
In Buddhism,The nāga is sometimes portrayed as a human being with a snake or dragon extending
over his head. There, nagas are often represented as door
guardians or, in Tibet, as minor deities. Just like Hinduism, the Buddhist mythology
recognizes two great Nagas, namely: King Mucha linda, and, Nagaraja.
The naga king Muchalinda, sheltered the Buddha from rainstorm, for seven whole days while
the Buddha was deep in meditation. Mucha linda, is now popularly known as the legendary Naga
of Cambodia.
There was another story where One 8 year old nāga, the daughter of a dragon king, after
listening to a monk preach the Lotus Sutra, transforms into a male Bodhi sattva and immediately
reaches full enlightenment. This particular tale emphasizes the viewpoint in Mahayana
scriptures, that only a male body is required for Buddhahood.