The Nāga is a deity or semi-divine spirit in the form of a great serpent. They have the ability to change into several forms. These are; a human, a king cobra, a half-human half-serpent, and a large dragon-serpent. In their human form the Nāgis are able to marry and have children with mortal men. Many ancient dynasties claimed descent from such a union. In their mixed form they have the body of a human from the waist up, and that of a serpent from the waist down. The head is that of a human. In their dragon form they have no legs or arms, nor any wings.
Nāgas are immortal, being divine creatures. They are said to hold great wisdom, and live under the waters. They reside great palaces in oceans and lakes, guarding the area. They are also Guardians of the Rain, and ensure there is enough. However, they may also cause a drought, due to a lack of respect for them. Some also protect important figures such as The Buddha, and Vishnu, a Hindu god.
There are many Nāgas in the Buddhist faith. With the spread of Buddhism, the Nāgas were incorporated into local beliefs. Places such as Tibet already had legends of great serpents, and the Nāga was simply made as the same creature. The main Nāga in Buddhism is called Mucalinda, who protects The Buddha whilst he meditates. In Buddhism only some Nāgas live in the water. The rest live among humans or on Mount Sumeru, with other lesser deities.
In Hinduism the Nāga are considered Protectors of Nature, guarding places linked to water, such as wells and rivers. They also guard treasure of the material and immaterial worlds. They are found in the Pātāla, the seventh dimension or realm. They are also the guardians of the Elixir of Life and Immortality. Despite their strength, they are not aggressive toward the human race. Unless they are threatened or harmed, of course.
For more information visit:
- http://www.mythencyclopedia.com/Mi-Ni/Nagas.html
- http://www.theoi.com/Thaumasios/DrakonesIndikoi.html
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/N%C4%81ga
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