नागा
The race of snakes, the Nagas, is said to be the offspring of the great sage Kashyapa and Kadru, a daughter of Daksha Prajapati. Kashyapa, one of the Saptarishis (seven great sages), had numerous wives, including Kadru, who gave birth to the Nagas. These serpent beings are believed to reside in Nagaloka (also known as Patala), one of the lower realms in Hindu cosmology. Nagaloka is a realm of great wealth, wisdom, and power, often depicted as being filled with precious gems, symbolizing the Nagas’ connection to both danger and prosperity.
Relationship with Garuda
The Nagas’ half-brother, Garuda, the mighty eagle and the vehicle (Vahana) of Lord Vishnu, is their natural enemy. This enmity between Garuda and the Nagas is rooted in a well-known story. According to the mythology, Kadru and her sister Vinata (the mother of Garuda) had a wager about the color of the tail of the divine horse Uchchaihshravas, born during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan). Kadru, with the help of her serpent offspring, won the wager by deceiving Vinata, and as a result, Vinata became her slave. Garuda, born later, swore vengeance on the Nagas to free his mother from servitude. This is why Garuda and the Nagas are eternal enemies, symbolizing the cosmic struggle between the forces of light (Garuda) and darkness (Nagas).
Kings of the Nagas
Various Nagas are mentioned as their kings, each holding significant roles in Hindu mythological narratives.
| Naga | Role/Significance |
|---|---|
| Vasuki | The king of serpents, Vasuki, is known for his role in the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean), where he served as the churning rope wrapped around Mount Mandara. He also holds significance in Buddhist and Jain traditions. |
| Takshaka | Takshaka is a powerful Naga king who plays a crucial role in the Mahabharata. He was responsible for the death of King Parikshit, which led to the great snake sacrifice (Sarpa Satra) performed by Parikshit’s son, Janamejaya. This episode underscores the cyclical nature of karma and retribution in Hindu thought. |
| Adisesha | Adisesha (or Shesha), also known as the “king of all Nagas,” is depicted as a thousand-headed serpent who serves as the bed of Lord Vishnu in the cosmic ocean. Adisesha is also associated with the cycle of cosmic destruction and rebirth, as he supports the universe on his hoods. He is believed to incarnate in human form as Balarama, the elder brother of Lord Krishna. |
Nagas in Hindu Cosmology and Symbolism
In Hindu cosmology, Nagas are often associated with both creation and destruction, reflecting their dual nature. They are protectors of treasures, both literal (wealth, gold) and metaphorical (wisdom, spiritual power). At the same time, they represent dangerous forces that, if angered, can bring great destruction through their venom. This duality is seen in their symbolic association with water, fertility, and the underworld. Nagas are revered in certain regions of India, particularly in South India and Assam, where they are worshipped as fertility gods and guardians of the land.
Connections to Other Mythological Entities
- Daksha Prajapati: The father of Kadru, Daksha is a progenitor and a significant figure in Hindu mythology. He plays a key role in the tale of Sati and Shiva, where his arrogance and insult towards Lord Shiva leads to his daughter’s self-immolation.
- Samudra Manthan: The churning of the ocean, a major event in Hindu mythology, involved both Devas (gods) and Asuras (demons). The Nagas, particularly Vasuki, played an important role as the rope used in the churning, highlighting their intertwined relationship with both divine and demonic forces.
- Garuda Purana: This text, attributed to Garuda, provides descriptions of the afterlife and the journey of the soul, reflecting his role as a divine being associated with transition and the judgment of souls. The Nagas are often seen as gatekeepers to the realms of the dead in various texts, bridging life and death.
| Entity | Role/Relationship to the Nagas |
|---|---|
| Kashyapa | Father of the Nagas and one of the Saptarishis |
| Kadru | Mother of the Nagas and daughter of Daksha Prajapati |
| Vinata | Sister of Kadru and mother of Garuda, making Garuda and the Nagas half-siblings |
| Garuda | Natural enemy of the Nagas; the mighty eagle and mount of Lord Vishnu |
| Lord Vishnu | Associated with Adisesha, who serves as his bed in the cosmic ocean |
| Lord Shiva | Sometimes depicted with serpents around his neck, symbolizing the control of primal energy (Kundalini) |
| Indra | In some stories, Nagas are associated with Indra’s realm, where they guard the elixir of immortality (Amrita) |
| Lord Krishna | In the Kaliya Mardana story, Lord Krishna subdues the serpent Kaliya, a Naga who had poisoned the Yamuna river. |
Nagas in Other Indian Traditions
Apart from Hinduism, the Nagas also hold important positions in Buddhist and Jain traditions. In Buddhism, the Naga king Mucalinda is known for protecting the Buddha from a storm by spreading his hoods over him while he meditated. In Jainism, the Naga king Dharnendra is connected to Parshvanatha, the 23rd Tirthankara, whom he protected from a deadly fire.
Conclusion
Thus, the Nagas occupy a complex position in Hindu mythology, symbolizing both danger and protection, enmity and alliance. They are woven into the larger narrative of cosmic balance, playing pivotal roles in the grand tapestry of creation, destruction, and the maintenance of dharma.