Naga: The Mythical Serpentine Beings of South Asia
In various Asian religious traditions, Nagas (Sanskrit: नाग, romanized: Nāga) are revered as divine or semi-divine beings characterized by their half-human, half-serpent form. These mystical entities are deeply rooted in the mythologies and spiritual practices of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. The female Naga is known as a Nagi or Nagini, and their descendants are called Nagavanshi. The legends surrounding Nagas have been integral to the cultural and religious landscape of South Asia for over two millennia.
Origins and Descriptions
According to ancient lore, Nagas are the offspring of the sage Kashyapa and Kadru. They inhabit the netherworld known as Patala and are believed to occasionally take human or part-human forms. Nagas are typically depicted in three primary forms:
1. Entirely human with serpents adorning their heads and necks.
2. As common serpents.
3. As beings with a human upper body and a serpentine lower body.
Religious Significance
Nagas play a significant role in the religious traditions of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. They are often venerated through various rituals and are considered guardians of treasures, water bodies, and fertility.
