Naga

serpent · India · South Asia

Nagas are divine half-human, half-serpent beings in Hindu and Buddhist tradition, children of sage Kashyapa and Kadru. They dwell in Patala (netherworld), guard treasures and waters, and can take human or serpent form. Vasuki served as churning rope in Samudra Manthana; Shesha supports Vishnu. They are eternal rivals of Garuda.

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