Naglok and Origin of Nagas - Secrets, Power and Cultural Heritage

In Indian tradition, Vedas and Puranas, the legends of Naglok and the Nagas reflect ancient knowledge, power and profound wisdom. Naglok is revered as a celestial, grand and secret realm within Patala Lok, the underworld, where the Naga community dwells. The eight primary Naga clans-Shesha, Vasuki, Takshak, Karkotak, Kaliya, Manibhadra, Airavat, Dhananjay-are deeply rooted in not only scriptures but also Indian collective consciousness. Let us explore the intricacies of Naglok and the origin stories of these eight great Nagas.

Description of Naglok

• Location and Nature: Naglok is counted as one of the seven realms of Patala, described as situated beneath the earth. Sunlight does not reach here, yet it glows with palaces studded with jewels, dazzling lights and divine grandeur.
• Inhabitants: Naglok is home to the famed Naga clans, their descendants and Naga maidens. They are considered highly intelligent, long-lived and gifted with tantric powers.
• Significance: Naglok is not just a dwelling place of serpents but stands as a civilizational symbol-center for universal balance, depth and strength.
• Religious Importance: Naglok and the Nagas are revered in the Mahabharata, Puranas and festivals like Nag Panchami. Special worship is performed during these occasions.

Origin of the Nagas - Children of Kadru and Kashyapa

• Rishi Kashyapa and Kadru: The Nagas are said to have originated from Kadru, wife of Prajapati Kashyapa. Kadru asked Kashyapa for the boon of one thousand Naga sons.
• Ashta-Naga (The Eight Primary Nagas): Out of Kadru’s thousand sons, eight Nagas are most renowned and are called Ashta-Naga: Shesha (Ananta)
  1. Vasuki
  2. Takshak
  3. Karkotak
  4. Kaliya
  5. Manibhadra
  6. Airavat
  7. Dhananjay

(Some scriptures also mention names like Padma, Mahapadma, Shankh, Kulik but the above eight are the most celebrated.)

Stories and Significance of the Eight Great Nagas

Naga	Origin/Legend	Qualities and Importance
Shesha (Ananta)	Eldest son of Kadru, holds the earth on his hood by Brahma's blessing	Couch of Lord Vishnu, endlessness, balance, incarnated as Lakshman and Balaram
Vasuki	Younger brother of Shesha, ornament on Shiva’s neck, rope in Samudra Manthan	Devotion to Shiva, sacrifice, king of Nagas, hero of the churning
Takshak	Son of Kadru and Kashyapa, killed Parikshit in Mahabharata, survived Janamejaya’s serpent sacrifice	Power, revenge, self-preservation, refuge of Indra
Karkotak	Son of Kadru, performed penance to Shiva, merged into Karkoteshwar Shivling	Austerity, devotion, bit King Nal to catalyze life transformation
Kaliya	Lived in Yamuna, subdued by Krishna, pardoned and sent to the sea	End of pride, Krishna’s compassion, purification of Yamuna
Manibhadra	Descendant of Vasuki, temple in Ujjain, protector of Nagas	Welfare of Nagas, protection of devotees, folk deity
Airavat	Son of Kadru, renowned as Indra’s elephant, emerged from Samudra Manthan	Vehicle of Indra, power, prosperity, symbol of water
Dhananjay	Son of Kadru, counted among the Ashta-Naga, worshipped on Nag Panchami	Prosperity, protection of Nagas, famed in folklore

Naglok and the Cultural Image of Nagas

• The Depth of Naglok: Naglok is also associated with the Satpura forests, Himalayas, Ujjain and Kashmir. There, traditions of Nag Dwar, Naga shrines and temples still flourish.
• Worship of Nagas: On Nag Panchami, Ashta-Naga are specially revered. The ritual involves offering milk, flowers and grass (durva), with prayers for protection.
• Symbolic Meaning of Nagas: Nagas represent energy, depth, esoteric knowledge, balance, infinity and self-defence. Vedas and Puranas see them as guardians of universal order and nature.

Deeper Message of the Narratives

• Balance and Patience: Shesha Naga holding the earth symbolizes balance and patience in life.
• Devotion and Service: Vasuki as Shiva’s ornament, Manibhadra’s folk worship and Takshak’s constant self-preservation are all examples of selfless service and faith.
• Transformation and Renewal: The stories of Karkotak, Kaliya and Dhananjay share lessons of change, renewal and the instinct for self-preservation.

A Reflection from Tradition

The stories of Naglok and the origin of the Nagas are not just ancient myths but integral to Indian culture, consciousness and philosophy. They teach us that life is incomplete without strength, balance, devotion, service and self-protection.