The Naga and Nāginī in South Asian Mythic Traditions
- Date of account
- Ancient Sanskrit and Buddhist sources; continuing Hindu, Buddhist and regional traditions
- Location
- South Asia, especially India, Nepal and Sri Lanka
- Source
- model_recalled_reference
- Record updated
- 2026-10-10
Record summary
Nāgas and nāginīs are serpent or serpent-associated beings appearing in Hindu, Buddhist and Jain textual traditions, as well as regional legends. They may assume human form, intermarry with humans, guard water, support sovereignty or possess esoteric knowledge. This lead supports comparison of shape-changing with territorial guardianship, fertility, dynastic origin and religious cosmology. The Mahābhārata, Buddhist Jātakas and later Purāṇic materials are not interchangeable sources, and “snake people” is an imperfect translation of varied categories. AI-recalled; source quality 5; corroboration 0.
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