Naga

Definition: Naga is a type of aquatic serpentine semi-divine creature mentioned in Buddhist canonical literature and depicted in artwork on temples in South and Central Asia. Nagas figure in Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism. The Oxford Dictionary of World Mythology says Nagas are descendants of Kadru, the daughter of Daksha, son of Brahma, and the wife of Kasyapa. They live in palaces on the bottoms of water bodies. Nagas are masculine. Their female counterparts are Naginis (Nagis, according to Encyclopedia Brutannica). Nagas may be cobra-like or python-like.

Nagas and Naginis are fertility figures and guardians of doors and gates. Nagas can appear entirely human or entirely serpentine or half of each.

References:

• _{"Nagas" The Oxford Companion to World mythology. David Leeming. Oxford University Press, 2004.}
• _{"Nagas" A Dictionary of World Mythology. Arthur Cotterell. Oxford University Press, 1997.}
• _{"Buddhist Rainmaking in Early Japan: The Dragon King and the Ritual Careers of Esoteric Monks"
  Brian O. Ruppert
  History of Religions, Vol. 42, No. 2 (Nov., 2002), pp. 143-174}