Other Famous Naga Legends - Manibhadra, Airavat, Dhritarashtra, Dhananjay and Kadru’s Curse

The revered traditions of India regard Nagas as beings of immense strength and spiritual significance. Beyond the well-known tales of Shesha, Vasuki, Takshak, Karkotak and Kaliya, stories of Nagas like Manibhadra, Airavat, Dhritarashtra and Dhananjay are deeply interwoven into Indian culture. These legends impart vital teachings on life, dharma, strength and compassion. Accompanying them is the inspiring account of the curse given by Kadru, mother of the Nagas and the protective boon granted by Brahma.

Manibhadra Naga

Manibhadra Naga is worshipped as the protector of Nagas and a guardian deity of the people. He is believed to be the lord of Naglok, especially connected with the region near Ujjain. Once, when a plague gripped Ujjain, the townspeople performed worship to Manibhadra Naga, offering milk, flowers and rice. Pleased by their devotion, Manibhadra relieved them from the epidemic. To this day, special puja is offered to him on Naga Panchami. Manibhadra is regarded as the benefactor of Nagas, protector of devotees and the one who dispels hardships. Worshipping him is believed to protect from snakebite, fear and illness.

Airavat Naga

Airavat, celebrated as Indra’s celestial elephant, was born during the churning of the ocean. Airavat is depicted as a majestic white elephant with four tusks. Indra accepted Airavat as his mount. It is believed that streams of amrit (nectar) flow from Airavat’s trunk, bringing rain and prosperity to Indra’s realm. Airavat is also named as king of the Nagas. His worship is associated with wealth, power and rainfall. The name Airavat holds a prominent place among the eight chief Naga clans.

Dhritarashtra Naga

Dhritarashtra Naga, one of Kadru and Kashyap’s sons, is mentioned in the Mahabharata as a principal patriarch among Nagas. Known for his immense strength, longevity and adherence to dharma, Dhritarashtra Naga pleaded with Sage Astik during the serpent sacrifice to save the Naga race. Through Astik’s compassion and the ending of Janamejaya’s yajna, many Nagas including Dhritarashtra were spared. He embodies balance, patience and righteousness.

Dhananjay Naga

Dhananjay Naga is also counted among Kadru’s sons and holds mention in the Mahabharata and Puranas as one of the eight major Nagas. Renowned for his wisdom, tantric powers and as the protector of Naglok, worship of Dhananjay Naga on Naga Panchami is believed to grant prosperity, security and fearlessness. His story teaches that equilibrium and success in life arise from knowledge, strength and service.

The Curse of Kadru and the Boon of Brahma

The Curse of Kadru

Kadru, mother of Nagas, once deceived her sister Vinata. She instructed her Naga sons to make the tail of the divine horse Uchchaihshravas appear black. Some Nagas refused to commit this deception. In anger, Kadru cursed them to perish in a future serpent sacrifice, thus giving rise to the fear of Naga destruction.

The Boon of Brahma

Distressed by the threat of extinction, the Nagas prayed to Brahma for protection. Brahma assured that Nagas who adhered to dharma, truth and compassion would always be safe. He also inspired Astik Muni to save the Nagas. Owing to Astik’s effort, the serpent sacrifice was halted and protection was granted. This story teaches that those who follow the path of righteousness, compassion and truth are always protected.

Summary Table

Naga/Character	Story/Event	Message/Significance
Manibhadra	Protector of Ujjain, relief from plague	Protection, welfare, folk deity
Airavat	Indra’s mount, born from ocean churning	Strength, wealth, rain
Dhritarashtra	Patriarch of Nagas, protected at yajna	Balance, dharma, patience
Dhananjay	Protector of Naglok, tantric prowess	Prosperity, security, knowledge
Kadru's Curse	Nagas cursed to perish in serpent sacrifice	Deception, consequence, destruction
Brahma's Boon	Protection for righteous Nagas, Astik’s intervention	Dharma, compassion, protection

Revelation from the Legends

Within these Naga legends are embedded profound teachings of balance, righteousness, compassion and power. The tales and worship of Manibhadra, Airavat, Dhritarashtra and Dhananjay inspire us to walk the path of protection, service, equilibrium and truth. The stories of Kadru’s curse and Brahma’s boon reinforce that deception, arrogance and adharma invite ruin, while righteousness, compassion and truth grant protection and well-being.