Significance of Naga
Synonyms: Serpent, Snake, Dragon, Water spirit, Snake god, Mythical creature
In Dutch: Naga; In Finnish: Naga; In Spanish: Naga
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Naga'
In Buddhism, Naga signifies serpent-like beings with supernatural abilities, protectors of the Dharma, revered by the Buddha, symbolizing wisdom and spiritual mastery, often associated with water and magical powers across various mythologies.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) A mystical being that took pity on the rishi and ultimately caused the demise of King Kia ki in response to the violence.[1] (2) Mythical beings tasked with guarding the walls of Shakra's palace.[2] (3) The naga is a mythical serpent associated with Ahicchatra, depicted in both Buddhist and local lore as a guardian of the city.[3] (4) Serpent-like beings who emitted streams of water (varidhara) to honor the Bodhisattva's birth.[4]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) A term signifying someone who is perfect and free from earthly attachments, often connected with wisdom.[5] (2) Serpent-like beings acknowledged in the text who also revered the Exalted One by holding up sunshades.[6] (3) A mythological serpent being associated with water and believed to possess magical powers; in this text, it becomes a symbol of the struggles inherent in spiritual mastery.[7]
From: The gods of northern Buddhism
(1) Mythical serpent beings in Hindu and Buddhist traditions; Kuvera's victory over them is symbolized by the mongoose.[8] (2) Minor deities depicted as serpent-gods and protectors of the Law of Buddha, with a rich mythological history.[9] (3) Serpent gods believed to control rain-clouds, with Vajrapani acting as their protector.[10]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) Mythical beings in Tibetan Buddhism that have their own language and can hear teachings as delivered in their native tongue.[11]
From: Lotus Sutra (Saddharma-Pundarika)
(1) Serpentine beings in Buddhist mythology often regarded as protectors of the Dharma.[12]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) Represents an arhat, denoting a being free from defilements and capable of imparting wisdom.[13] (2) A class of serpent-like beings that are mentioned alongside yakkhas, gandhabbas, and kumbhandas.[14]
From: Mahavamsa
(1) Mythical serpent beings that worshipped the Bodhi-tree and practiced magic to protect it.[15]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) Serpent-like deities who respected the Buddha and invited him to their realm, illustrating the interconnectedness of different beings.[16]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life (by Ashin Janakabhivamsa)
(1) Mythical serpent beings mentioned in Jatakas, referenced in relation to Andhaja Patisandhi.[17]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) A mythical serpent-like being captured by lha rje zur po che, symbolic of magic or supernatural events in the narrative.[18]
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) Mythological serpent beings in Indian literature that possess supernatural abilities.[19]
From: The Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King (A Life of Buddha)
(1) Mythical serpent-like beings that Buddha converted during his travels in various countries.[20]
Hindu concept of 'Naga'
Naga in Hinduism represents mythological serpentine beings with varied roles, such as obstacles, protectors, and divine entities, known for their supernatural powers and connections to both water and spiritual practices.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) A reference to a class of beings, suggesting their realm is less desirable than Rasatala.[21] (2) Mythological serpent beings that possess the ear-rings Utanka is searching for, symbolizing obstacles in his quest.[22] (3) A group of beings involved in a consultation to determine their actions related to their mother.[23] (4) A character who provides counsel and encourages the Brahmana to disclose his intentions and seek guidance.[24] (5) A supernatural being often depicted as a serpent or dragon in Hindu mythology.[25]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Serpent beings in Hindu mythology, depicted here as being harmless towards the king due to his power.[26] (2) Serpent beings mentioned throughout the narrative, often depicted with supernatural qualities and significant roles in the unfolding events.[27]
From: Nilamata Purana
(1) Mythical serpent-like beings mentioned as having various significant roles and attributes, particularly in relation to their abodes in Kasmira.[28] (2) Serpent-like beings related to many myths discussed in the text, including their interactions with gods.[29]
From: Vishnu Purana (Taylor)
(1) Semi-divine snake spirits with human upper bodies and serpent lower bodies, appearing in various mythological contexts.[30] (2) Semi-divine serpents.[31]
From: Brahmanda Purana
(1) A class of serpent deities known for their supernatural powers, described as the progeny of Kadru, notable figures in Hindu mythology.[32]
From: Lalitopakhyana (Lalita Mahatmya)
(1) Serpentine beings who live in the Lapis Lazuli enclosure, partaking in spiritual practices and devotion to Lalita.[33]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) Serpent deities in Hindu mythology, known for their power and connection to water.[34]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Serpent beings in Hindu mythology, with whom Manasa has a unique connection and for whom she provided protection.[35]
From: Amarakoshodghatana of Kshirasvamin (study)
(1) Delineations in mythology concerning divine serpents or beings, incorporating cultural and religious symbolism.[36] (2) The term indicates an elephant in Amarakosha, but Kshirasvamin expands it to include a snake and elephant tusk.[37]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) Serpent deities that feature prominently in the tales, often embodying themes of duality between good and evil.[38] (2) Snake-gods who dwell in the underworld, sometimes displaying human characteristics and often seen as protectors or avengers.[39]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Great Serpents, known for their power and significance in various myths.[40]
From: Brihat Samhita
(1) A group of mythological serpent beings that experience suffering if certain Rishis are influenced adversely.[41]
From: Kashyapa Shilpa-shastra (study)
(1) Serpents that were born to Kadru, one of the wives of Kashyapa, known for their dangerously venomous nature.[42]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) A figure that signifies a powerful entity in the context of the energies burned during departure.[43]
From: Matangalila and Hastyayurveda (study)
(1) A serpent-like creature featured in the mythology, depicted with its queen, representing a confrontation with Gajendra in the water.[44]
Jain concept of 'Naga'
In Jainism, the term "Naga" represents water-dwelling beings linked to confusion, spiritual entities devoid of cloud creation, and mythical serpents from Hindu tradition, associated with water and the underworld.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) The Nagas are water-dwelling beings whose houses are filled with water, causing them confusion and distress.[45] (2) Mythical serpentine beings in Hindu mythology, often associated with water and the underworld.[46]
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) Spiritual entities mentioned in the context of not being responsible for the creation of great clouds.[47]
The concept of Naga in local and regional sources
Naga refers to mythical serpent beings in Buddhist cosmology, involved in protecting sacred relics, such as Buddha's tooth, and associated with water and reverence in regions like Magadha, reflecting their divine and protective nature.
From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)
(1) Divine serpent beings in Buddhist cosmology associated with water and protection in various locations, including those around Magadha.[48]