Mystery of Naag & Naaglok: Mention of serpents in Indian culture was not limited to mythology and folklore, but it has become a deep cultural, religious and historical roots concept.
Be it Vasuki Nag wrapped around Lord Shiva's neck or Nagraj used as a rope in the sea churning has been an integral part of Indian religious consciousness. Not only this, in many texts like Mahabharata, Ramayana and Puranas, a detailed description of "Naglok" is found in a mysterious, folk located within the ground, where the Nag caste resides.
But this question arises in our mind again and again: is Nag and Naglok only the product of imagination or are they related to an ancient civilization, cultural symbol or historical truth? Was Nag Nag a special mankind or clan form, whose powers and characteristics were tied in a metaphor and presented in mythology?
This article is an attempt to get to the bottom of these curiosities. We will try to see the notion of Nagaloka not only from the religious point of view, but also from the historical, cultural and scientific point of view.
Origin of the Nagas
According to the Puranas, the serpents originated from Maharishi Kashyap and his wife Kadru. Kashyap had many wives from which various beings originated, and many snakes were born from Kadru. The major serpents include Sheshnag, Vasuki, Takshak, Karkotak, Padma and Mahapadma etc. Sheshnag is considered the greatest snake, which has become the basis of his eternal rest by becoming the bed of Lord Vishnu.
The form and nature of the nagas
In mythological narratives, serpents are painted as semi-human and semi-raps. Their upper part is human and the lower part of the snake. They are considered to be longevity, stunning and yoga power. Some snakes have also been described as eight heads or hundred heads. Snake is not only a poisonous, but a symbol of high spiritual power and mysterious energy of nature.
Mentions of Nagas in Major Scriptures in major texts
The role of serpents in the Mahabharata - Nagas have contributed significantly to the Mahabharata. Takshak Nag had stunned King Parikshit, as his son Janamejaya performed 'Sarp-Sat' (Nagas' Yajna). All the serpents were to be destroyed in this, but the believer sage came and stopped it and protected the serpents. Sheshnag is also considered to be the incarnation of Balarama and Laxman as Sheshnag.
Mention of serpents in Ramayana - Vasuki Nag was used as a rope at the time of churning of the ocean in the Ramayana. The relationship between Lakshmana and Lord Rama is also associated with Sheshnag. Laxman is considered an incarnation of Sheshnag, who is always ready to serve Lord Vishnu (Rama).
Place of serpents in the Puranas - Vishnu Purana, Bhagwat Purana, Garuda Purana etc. give a detailed description of Naglok, King of Nagas, their deeds and worship. In Garuda Purana, special methods are mentioned for Nagadosh and his peace.
Naglok - Nagaloka - The Abode of the Nagas
In Indian scriptures and Puranas, "Nagaloka" is mentioned as a mysterious, underground folk where the Nag caste resided. This place was not only the abode of a snake -like organisms, but also a symbol of a whole civilization, a folk who was famous for its splendor, power and mysterious knowledge. According to the Puranas, Nagaloka is one of the seven Hades, known as "Patal" or "Naglok". It is said to be located below the earth, where the rays of the sun do not reach, but still this world is illuminated with its splendor, palaces with gems, and miraculous light.
Many famous snakes like Nagraj Vasuki, Takshak, Anant (Sheshnag), Karkotak are considered residents of this world. These serpents are described as highly intelligent, longevity and tantric powers. It is believed that the serpent living in Naglok not only protected his caste, but also played an important role in the universe balance.
Description of Nagaloka in Mahabharata and Puranas (Description of Naglok)
In the Mahabharata, Arjuna's son King Janmejaya mentions the "Sarpasatra" performed to destroy the dynasty of the serpents, in which the sacrifice to destroy the snakes was performed. At the same time, the believer sage intervened and stopped the yajna and saved the Nag caste. There is also a discussion of Nagaloka in this story, where many Nagas lived and they became the cause of Janmejaya's anger.
Prominent Figures of Naglok
Sheshnag (Anantnag) - Sheshnag is considered the king of serpents and the most prominent serpent of Naglok. They are also called infinity because their length and energy are considered infinite. Sheshnag is depicted as the bed of Lord Vishnu. It is believed that the entire earth rests on their fans and they are absorbed in yoga practice.
Vasuki - Vasuki is Nagraj who is wrapped around Lord Shiva's neck. At the time of sea churning, the deity and demons churned Vasuki like a rope around the Mandarachal mountain. The role of Vasuki is extremely effective not only in mythology but also culturally.
Takshak - Takshak is considered a powerful and angry serpent, which is directly related to dynasties. It is mentioned in the Mahabharata that Takshak caused the death of King Parikshit.
Karkotak - Karkotak is a mysterious snake mentioned in Mahabharata and other texts. Their relationship is associated with the story of Nal-Damayanti, where Karkotak Raja makes him ugly by poisoning him to take the exam, but eventually gives them the lost power again.
Padmanabha, Kulik, Shankha, Mahasankha, Dhananjaya etc. - There are also many other serpents mentioned in Puranas who lived in Naglok with Sheshnag and Vasuki. All these snakes were the leaders of their clan or dynasty.
Mansa Devi (Nagin Devi) - Although more mention of male serpents is found in Naglok, Mansa Devi has special significance. She is considered the goddess of serpents and especially in Bengal, Assam and Odisha, she is widely worshiped.
Nagas related to history and geography (Nagas in History & Geography)
The relationship of serpents is not only limited to the religious and cultural references of India, but its expansion is visible to many ancient civilizations of the world. The Nagavansh has been established as a real power in the history and geography of India, which ruled in areas like Central India, Odisha, Jharkhand and Nagpur. The name of a city like Nagpur is proof that it must have been associated with Nag castes or Nagas. The presence of serpent symbols in the currencies, inscriptions and architecture of the Nag descendants makes it clear that they were not only mythological characters, but also a historical reality.
Not only India, but also in many parts of the world, there has been a tradition of worshiping snakes. Ancient cultures like Egypt, Mexico, Greece, Thailand, Indonesia and Cambodia also provide evidence of worship of creatures like Nag. In the Egyptian civilization, the cobra's sign on the crown of the queens is seen, which was considered a symbol of strength and defense. The Maya civilization of Mexico depicts a deity named 'Quetzalcoatal' as a winged serpent, which represents knowledge, sky and rebirth. Similarly, statues and symbols of castes called "Naga" are found in temples in Cambodia and Bali, which show the high role of snakes in local culture and religion.
The presence of serpents in all these civilizations indicates that snakes were not only mythological creatures, but possibly a symbol of a specific caste or community, which spread to various areas over time.
Was the serpent really an advanced ancient civilization? (Nagas & Ancient Civilization?)
Was Nag really an advanced ancient civilization? This question not only curiosity, but opens a door to thinking in the depth of history, archeology and mythological contextsSome historians and researchers believe that the Nag caste was actually an ancient, highly developed civilization that lived in underground cities. His scientific, medicinal and astrological progress was so advanced that the then human society started to consider him as 'supernatural' or 'divine'.
It is possible that Nag was so skilled in caste science and technology that his work, weapons or knowledge still remain a mystery. The mention of poison, nectar, and mysterious powers in mythology indicates that they won a far more developed lifestyle than ordinary humans. He probably had such medicinal and biological knowledge which has not been fully known even today. This is the reason why he was considered equivalent to the gods or sometimes even superior to them.
Talking about underground cities, this notion is also not just imagination. Many ancient underground cities have been discovered worldwide, of which Derinkuyu of Türkiye (Derinkuyu) is a prime example. The city is spread over several destinations and was living in thousands of people, including ventilation, water supply and protective mechanisms. It is evidence that ancient civilizations were very advanced in technical terms and could make a complete system of underground life. In Indian texts, Nagaloka is described as underground, which in the light of these discoveries, but also becomes a historical possibility rather than symbolic.
Naglok and Ak Alien Theory
Some scientists and UFO researchers believe that the description of Naglok may probably be a description of beings from another planet or dimension. They had special powers, longevity, and amazing knowledge, which can indicate alien or space life in today's context. Nagas' ability to fly, reading power, and body-like body, all these things can be the characteristics of an advanced non-human species.
Symbolic meaning of yoga, tantra and serpents
The snake is a symbol of the Yogasastras of Kundalini Shakti, which is located in the Muladhara Chakra by hitting a horoscope like a snake. When this power is awakened by yoga and practice, human consciousness attains the highest state. Even in tantric practices, serpents are considered to be the form of mysterious energy and consciousness.
Naga Worship and IT's Social Impact in India in India
The festival of Nag Panchami is celebrated in every corner of India. On this day, the serpents are fed milk, they are worshiped and wished to protect them. There are many folklore related to serpents in different regions of India. There is a special tradition of Nag Puja in Uttarakhand, Himachal, Assam, Kashmir and South India. Even today, serpents are worshiped in many rural areas of India. Nag Devta is worshiped as the village protector. Nagas' stories are also popular in TV serials, films and novels, such as "Naagin", "Sheshnag", etc. It shows that even in modern society, the mythological, cultural and symbolic image of the serpents is alive.
Some of the main places where Nag Puja is done:
Mental Nag Temple, Karnataka
Nagachandreshwar Temple, Ujjain
Nagwasuki Temple, Prayagraj