Significance of Naga-king
The Naga-king is a multifaceted figure within various religious contexts, primarily representing a mythical serpent or dragon-like being. In Jainism, the Naga-king serves as a protector and mediator. In South Asia, he appears in diverse narratives, exerting influence over magical and spiritual realms. Vaishnavism and Purana portray him as a mysterious ruler of the Nagas, involved in cosmic balance and martial challenges. Buddhist texts frequently depict Naga-kings as protectors of treasures and significant spiritual entities, reflecting their importance across traditions.
Synonyms: Serpent king, Dragon king, Snake god, Serpent lord
In Dutch: Naga-koning
In Finnish: Naga-kuningas
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-king'
The Naga-king in Buddhism embodies powerful serpent-like beings symbolic of authority, wisdom, and protection, often depicted in narratives interacting with the Buddha, guarding treasures, or representing spiritual challenges and moral consequences.
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) A powerful serpent or dragon-like being who dwells in the Mango Ferry, initially harmful, but later converted to the Refuges and Commandments by the Elder Sagata.[1] (2) A ruler of a mythical serpent-like race, often depicted as possessing powers and wisdom, concerned with maintaining moral conduct.[2] (3) Specifically refers to Samkhapala, a king of the Nagas, embodying power and spiritual depth.[3] (4) The ruler of the Naga-world, often associated with power and grandeur, representing the allure of the supernatural.[4] (5) A mythological figure who ruled over water spirits and became enraged at the pollution caused by the birds, prompting his vengeful actions.[5]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) A powerful serpent with harmful venom that posed a threat to the Buddha but was ultimately subdued.[6] (2) A powerful being named Ahichatta who took over the pile of sand after it had grown large due to Aggidatta's disciples' actions.[7] (3) Nandopananda, a divine creature who displays anger and possesses great power, which posed a threat to the monks and Tavatimsa.[8] (4) A powerful ruler of the naga abode who took measures to protect the Buddha from the elements during the great rain.[9] (5) A powerful serpent king who initially posed a threat to the people but later accepted Buddha Narada's teachings.[10]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) A powerful, mythical being in the tale, representing obstacles to enlightenment and the challenges faced by monks on their spiritual journey.[11] (2) Erakapatta, a king of the nagas, a type of serpent deity in Buddhist tradition, who had a significant past life as a monk.[12]
From: Mahavamsa
(1) The naga-king, a leader of serpents, is involved in the narrative, presenting challenges and later repenting and following the preachings of the theras.[13] (2) A ruler of serpent spirits; significant figures in the narrative, exemplified by Mahodara and Culodara.[14]
From: Vinaya (2): The Mahavagga
(1) A serpent king, named Mucalinda, who emerged to protect the Blessed One by encircling him and shielding him from the elements.[15]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (1): Bhikkhu-vibhanga (the analysis of Monks’ rules)
(1) Manikantha, a mythical serpent-like being who interacts with the younger holy man.[16]
From: Dipavamsa (study)
(1) Refers to the kings of the Naga people who had disputes leading to the Buddha's intervention.[17]
From: The Catu-Bhanavara-Pali (critical study)
(1) Concerns Virupakkha, the ruler of the west quarter of the realm of the four Great kings.[18]
From: Patipada (path of practice)
(1) A class of serpent-like beings prominent in Buddhist texts, associated with both wisdom and guarding treasures.[19]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The two mythical kings, Nanda and Upananda, who created and presented the lotus for the Bhagavat to sit upon during the Great Miracle.[20] (2) A divine being who intervened in the story by causing lightning against king Kali as a form of retribution for his cruelty towards Kshanti.[21] (3) Refers to the serpent-like king, Nandopananda, who feared the monks and sought to protect his domain from their presence.[22] (4) Mythical serpentine kings whom the Buddha converted during his travels.[23] (5) The ruler of the Nagas who possessed the cintamani on his head and tested the bodhisattva's resolve.[24]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) A past life identity of the narrator, named Atula, who is depicted as having great authority and merit.[25] (2) A ruler of a mythical serpent being, who has a son that befriends Dharmapala.[26] (3) A title referring to rulers among serpentine beings, one of whom invited the Exalted One to his home.[27] (4) The Naga king represents a mythological serpent or dragon figure that holds respect and authority in Buddhist literature, exemplified by characters like Kala, Mucilinda, and Vinipata.[28] (5) Serpent deities that are tasked with protecting the Bodhisattva during his prenatal phase.[29]
From: Karandavyuha Sutra
(1) Mythical serpent kings who are seen as protectors and guardians, mentioned here in the context of a multitude that guards the ground.[30] (2) Serpent kings that represent powerful and mystical beings frequently mentioned in Buddhist texts; many were present at the gathering.[31]
From: Lotus Sutra
(1) Mythical serpent beings in Buddhist cosmology often associated with water and the protector of Buddhist teachings.[32]
Hindu concept of 'Naga-king'
Naga-king in Hinduism symbolizes powerful serpent rulers who protect the universe, embody mystique, and influence divine interactions. Representing both mythical and historical significance, they invoke themes of power, protection, and connection to the divine.
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) A powerful serpent-like being who abducts King Uttama's queen and is responsible for the curses and misfortunes that follow.[33]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) Mythical serpent rulers mentioned in the text, invoked for their truths and upholding of the universe.[34]
From: Markandeya Purana (Study)
(1) A king of the Nagas, mythological serpentine beings found in Hindu and Buddhist traditions.[35]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) A ruler of the Nagas, a race of serpent beings possessing mystique and powers in Hindu mythology.[36]
From: Vishnu Purana (Taylor)
(1) Rulers of the nagas, who sought help from Vishnu when their power was threatened by the gandharvas.[37]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) The serpent-king from whom daughters are born and who are mentioned in the context of receiving blessings to become gopis.[38] (2) The king of the Nagas, a mythical serpent or dragon-like being in Hindu mythology, referenced as the father of the daughters mentioned in the text.[39]
From: Malatimadhava (study)
(1) Historical rulers mentioned in the context of Padmavati, relevant to its archaeological significance.[40]
Jain concept of 'Naga-king'
In Jainism, Naga-king can symbolize both a protective figure in spiritual conflicts and a ruler of mythical serpent beings, reflecting themes of protection, mediation, and the consequences of disturbing harmony within his domain.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) Another name for Dharana, who acts as a protector and mediator in the conflict between Meghamalin and Parshva.[41] (2) The ruler of the Naga-people, who becomes angry at the disturbance of his subjects and considers punishment for the offenders.[42] (3) Refers to the mythical serpent king who is initially mentioned in the context of the story.[43]
The concept of Naga-king in local and regional sources
Naga-king is a multifaceted mythical figure symbolizing power and spiritual connections, involved in various narratives, including interactions with princesses, conflicts with kings, and transformations that underscore themes of protection, revenge, and justice in regional folklore.
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) The ruler of the Nagas who is interested in marrying one of the Princesses.[44] (2) A mythological being referenced who had a daughter mistreated by a cow-herd, leading to a complex series of events involving a wish made to the King of the country.[45] (3) A powerful figure that the Cobra seeks out for help after the Prince has assisted him.[46] (4) A supernatural being that resides in an ant-hill and causes the death of the Princess's husband.[47] (5) A mythical cobra figure that interacts with the Princesses, representing power and a connection to treasures.[48]
From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)
(1) The dragon that transformed into a Brahman to protect the stupa and engage with Ashoka-raja about its sanctity.[49] (2) A dragon spirit residing in a lake, involved in a conflict with the king of Kapisha, representing spiritual powers and temperaments.[50]