The Nagas: Serpent Deities in Hindu Mythology (Part 1).

The Nagas: Serpent Deities in Hindu Mythology (Part 1).

Naag Panchami, celebrated on July 29, 2025, is a cherished Hindu festival honouring the Nagas, divine serpent deities revered for their wisdom, protection, and fertility. This first article in a three-part series introduces the Nagas, exploring their role in Hindu mythology and their significance in scriptures like the Vedas, Puranas, Mahabharat and Ramayan. By delving into their divine nature and cultural legacy, we set the stage for understanding their associations with deities and their vibrant rituals in subsequent articles.

The Nagas in Hindu Scriptures.

Nagas are semi-divine serpent beings, ranked below Devas and Asuras but above humans, residing in the subterranean realm of Nagaloka (Patala), as described in the Bhagavat Puran. Associated with water, wealth, and spiritual energy, they possess superhuman abilities like shape-shifting and creating illusions, blending human and serpentine traits.

Vedic References.

In the Rigveda (9.86.44), serpents symbolize the earth’s mysteries and sacred waters, revered as protectors of life-giving elements through chants praising Soma. The Atharvaveda includes rituals to appease Nagas, acknowledging their dual nature as benevolent guardians and potentially harmful forces.

Puranic Narratives.

The Puranas offer vivid Naga lore. In the Bhagavat Puran (10.16), Lord Krishna subdues Kaliya, a venomous Naga poisoning the Yamuna River, in the Kaliya Mardan episode, illustrating the Nagas’ redemption under divine will. The Vishnu Purana (1.2) and Padma Purana depict Ananta (Shesha), the thousand-headed serpent, as Vishnu’s cosmic bed, embodying infinity. Vasuki, a prominent Naga, serves as the churning rope in the Samudra Manthan, aiding Devas and Asuras to obtain amrita (Mahabharata, Adi Parva, 18).

Mahabharat and Ramayan Connections.

The Mahabharat weaves Nagas into its narrative, portraying them as divine yet relatable. The Naga princess Ulupi marries Arjun, producing Iravan, a Kurukshetra warrior, highlighting their integration into human society (Mahabharat, Bhishma Parva). Kadru, mother of a thousand Naga sons including Shesha, Vasuki, and Takshaka, curses her offspring due to jealousy, leading to King Janamejaya’s Sarpa Satra, a sacrificial ritual to destroy the Nagas. Sage Astika, part-Naga, halts the sacrifice, preserving the race (Mahabharat, Adi Parva, 53–58).

A key episode involves Raja Parikshit, Arjun’s grandson and Kuru king. While hunting, Parikshit, exhausted and thirsty, insults a meditating sage by placing a dead snake around his neck. The sage’s son, Shringi, curses Parikshit to die within seven days from Takshaka’s bite. The Naga king fulfills the curse, prompting Janamejaya’s Sarpa Satra to avenge his father. Astika’s intervention underscores the Nagas’ complex nature—capable of retribution yet open to reconciliation (Mahabharat, Adi Parva, 40–58; Bhagavat Puran, Canto 1, Chapters 12–19).

In the Ramayan (Sundar Kanda), Hanuman encounters Surasa, the “mother of serpents,” a divine Naga sent to test his wisdom. Hanuman cleverly navigates her challenge by shrinking, entering her mouth, and exiting, earning her blessing. Simhika, a Rakshasi with aquatic and illusory powers akin to Nagas, is defeated by Hanuman, highlighting their association with oceanic realms and divine tests.

Symbolism of Nagas.

Nagas embody rich symbolic meanings in Hinduism:

• Fertility and Prosperity: As guardians of water and subterranean realms, Nagas ensure agricultural abundance.
• Protection: Figures like Shesha and Vasuki safeguard divine beings and treasures (Vishnu Puran 1.2).
• Kundalini Energy: The coiled serpent at the spine’s base represents dormant spiritual energy, awakened through yogic practice (Hatha Yoga Pradipika).
• Duality: Nagas balance benevolence and danger, blessing or cursing based on human actions.
• Wisdom and Materialism: Renowned for intelligence in architecture and medicine, Nagas also enjoy material pleasures.

Conclusion.

Naag Panchami, celebrated on July 29, 2025, honours the Nagas, divine serpent deities revered in Hindu scriptures for their wisdom, protection, and fertility. This article has laid the foundation for understanding their mythological significance, from Vedic chants to epic narratives.

The next articles will explore their divine associations with deities like Vishnu, Shiva, and the Devi, their role as the Nav Nag Devtas, and the vibrant rituals of Naag Panchami, culminating in their enduring legacy across Hindu culture.

Om Naaga Naagam Aashrayeham!!!

I seek refuge in the universal presence of the Nagas.