The Nagas: Divine Serpents in Hindu Mythology (Part 3).

The Nagas: Divine Serpents in Hindu Mythology (Part 3).

This final article in our three-part series on the Nagas, divine serpent deities revered in Hinduism, builds on the foundations laid in the previous instalments.

Article 1 introduced the Nagas’ scriptural significance in texts like the Bhagavat Puran, Mahabharat, and Ramayan, highlighting their roles as semi-divine beings of wisdom, protection, and fertility.

Article 2 explored the vibrant rituals of Naag Panchami, the sacred Mannarasala Nagaraja Temple, Naga Curses and the protective Naga Stuti.

This concluding instalment delves into the nine principal Naga deities (Nav Nag Devtas) and their profound connections with major Hindu deities—Krishna, Vishnu, Shiva, Ganesh, and the Devi—illuminating their roles as guardians of cosmic and spiritual realms, thus completing the exploration of their enduring legacy.

The Nine Major Nagas (Nav Nag Devtas).

The Nav Nag Devtas, nine revered Naga deities, are central to Hindu worship, particularly during Naag Panchami. Residing in the subterranean realm of Nagaloka, these serpents are master architects and metallurgists, wielding divine powers such as shape-shifting and guarding subterranean treasures. Below are the nine principal Nagas, each embodying unique attributes:

1. Ananta (Shesha): The infinite, thousand-headed serpent, serving as Vishnu’s cosmic bed, symbolizing eternity (Vishnu Puran 1.2).
2. Vasuki: The serpent king, pivotal in the ocean’s churning and a companion of Shiva (Mahabharat, Adi Parva, 18).
3. Padmanabha: A protector Naga, upholding Vishnu’s divine order (Padma Puran).
4. Kambala: Guardian of underground wealth, revered for strength.
5. Shankhapala: Protector of prosperity and abundance.
6. Dhritarashtra: Wise Naga king, embodying leadership.
7. Takshaka: Fierce avenger of Raja Parikshit’s insult, showcasing the Nagas’ dual nature (Mahabharat, Adi Parva, 40–58).
8. Kaliya: Redeemed by Krishna’s dance, symbolizing transformation (Bhagavat Puran 10.16).
9. Shankhachuda: Associated with spiritual protection.

These Nav Nag Devtas bridge the divine and material realms, their significance in worship highlighted in yesterday’s article on Naag Panchami rituals, where devotees offer milk and prayers to their idols.

Nagas and Their Divine Associations.

Nagas are woven into Hindu epics as semi-divine beings with complex relationships to major deities. This section deepens that exploration by detailing their roles as companions, protectors, or challenges to Krishna, Vishnu, Shiva, Ganesha, and the Devi, symbolizing cosmic balance and spiritual power.

Krishna and Kaliya.

In the Bhagavat Puran (10.16), Krishna subdues Kaliya, a Naga poisoning the Yamuna River, through the Kaliya Mardan dance. Briefly noted in Article 1, this episode underscores the Nagas’ potential for redemption, as Krishna reforms Kaliya, restoring purity to the river and highlighting divine intervention in maintaining ecological harmony.

Ananta and Vishnu.

Ananta (Shesha), the thousand-headed serpent, supports Vishnu on the ocean of milk during his cosmic slumber, embodying infinity and stability (Vishnu Puran 1.2; Padma Puran). Introduced in Article 1, this eternal bond reflects the Nagas’ foundational role in cosmic order.

Vasuki and the Samudra Manthan.

Vasuki’s role as the churning rope in the Samudra Manthan, detailed in Article 1 (Mahabharat, Adi Parva, 18), showcases his endurance and cooperation with Devas and Asuras to yield amrita. Honoured by Vishnu and Shiva, Vasuki exemplifies the Nagas’ contribution to divine quests for immortality.

Shiva’s Serpent Garland.

Shiva’s serpent, often Vasuki, coiled around his neck, symbolizes mastery over primal energies and protection (Linga Puran). This imagery complements Shiva’s yogic nature, reinforcing the Nagas’ role as divine protectors.

Ganesh’s Serpent Belt.

Ganesh’s serpent belt, representing Kundalini energy, signifies contained primal power and divine protection (Skanda Puran). This association, touched upon in Article 1’s discussion of Kundalini, highlights the Nagas’ spiritual significance in yogic traditions.

The Devi and the Nagas.

In the Devi Bhagavat Puran (Book 5), Nagas like Vasuki and Shesha revere the Devi as Durga or Parvati during her battles against demons like Mahishasura, recognizing her as the supreme Shakti protecting Nagaloka. The Nagas believe that the Devi protects them and their world – Naga Loka. Manasa Devi, the serpent goddess, commands Nagas and protects devotees from snakebites (Manasa Mangal Kavya). Her serpent-canopied iconography and Kundalini association (Hatha Yoga Pradipika) align with the spiritual roles of the Nagas, complementing the ritual practices described previously.

Conclusion.

This three-part series has traced the Nagas’ profound legacy in Hindu mythology, spirituality, and culture. Article 1 laid the foundation with their scriptural significance in the Vedas, Puranas, Mahabharat, and Ramayan, portraying them as semi-divine beings of wisdom, protection, and fertility. Article 2 celebrated their vibrant rituals during Naag Panchami, the sacred Mannarasala Nagaraja Temple, and the protective Naga Stuti. This final article has illuminated the Nav Nag Devtas and their divine associations with Krishna, Vishnu, Shiva, Ganesh, and the Devi, underscoring their roles as guardians of cosmic and earthly realms.

The Nagas’ enduring presence, from ancient scriptures to modern worship, reflects their timeless significance in fostering harmony between humanity, nature, and the divine.

As devotees chant “Om Naaga Naagam Aashrayeham,” they honour the Nagas’ protective and transformative powers, a legacy that continues to inspire reverence and devotion.

Om Naaga Naagam Aashrayeham!!!

I seek refuge in the universal presence of the Nagas.