Naga - Nagini - Nagin - Nagi | Nāga Indonesian Mythology: Buddhist & Hindu Mythology And Folklore

Naga is a semi-divine serpentine deity from Hindu or Buddhist mythology. The name Naga is a Sanskrit word, which means serpent or snake. Nagas are a strong and magnificent race of half-human, half-serpent beings that can appear in three distinct forms, as wholly humans with snakes on their head and neck, as regular serpents, or as half-human, half-snake beings. A female Naga is called Nagini, Nagin, or Nagi. Naginas are serpent princesses of striking beauty. So great is their beauty that they say it enchants any mortal who beholds them. The Nagas are believed to reside in an enchanted underworld realm called Nagaloka, or Patala. A realm which is beautifully decorated and filled with gems, gold and other earthly treasures. This underground realm is presided over by a great Naga lord called Nagaraja. Nagaraja is seen as the king of Nagas and Naginas. In the myths, the initial domain of the Nagas was the earth, before it became the underworld realm of Nagaloka. It is said that the Hindu god, Brahma, translocated the Nagas to the underworld, because they had become too populous on earth, and commanded them to bite only the truly evil or those destined to die prematurely. Some Nagas remained on earth, and are often associated with bodies of waters, including rivers, lakes, seas, and wells, and are guardians of treasure. Now, Nagas, although powerful, have an arch-enemy, which they greatly fear. Their eternal mortal enemies are the Garudas. Garudas are legendary semi-divine bird-like deities, supposedly more powerful than Nagas. In quite a number of traditions, Nagas and Naginas, are seen as dark, mischievous and malevolent creatures, which are never up to any good. Their powerful nature and venom, made them potentially dangerous to humans. However in Hinduism and Buddhism, Nagas are often seen as benevolent and protective beings, who often played protagonistic roles, and performed heroic deeds. In Hinduism, there are three notable Nagas. 1. Shishur, also known as Ananta, who in the Hindu myth of creation, supports Vishnu, as he lies on the cosmic ocean, and on whom the created world rests. 2. Vasuki, an Agaraja who abides on Shiva's neck, and was used as a churning rope to churn the cosmic ocean of milk. And 3. Takshaka, the tribal chief of the snakes. In Buddhism, the Naga is sometimes portrayed as a human being with a snake or dragon extending over his head. There, Nagas are often represented as door guardians or, in Tibet, as minor deities. Just like Hinduism, the Buddhist mythology recognizes two great Nagas, namely, King Mukhalinda, and Nagaraja. The Naga King Mukhalinda, sheltered the Buddha from rainstorm, for seven whole days, while the Buddha was deep in meditation. Mukhalinda, is now popularly known as the legendary Naga of Cambodia. There was another story, where one eight-year-old Naga, the daughter of a dragon king, after listening to a monk preach the Lotus Sutra, transforms into a male body Sattva and immediately reaches full enlightenment. This particular tale, emphasizes the viewpoint in Mahayana scriptures, that only a male body is required for Buddhahood.