​Enter the serpent realm: Meet the 8 nagas of myth and mystery​

They move through ancient stories not as symbols of fear, but as timeless guardians of energy, wisdom, and balance. The Ashta Nagas, the eight great serpents, each hold a sacred purpose.
Some support the weight of the universe, and others protect secrets hidden deep within the earth. All embody silence, stillness, and divine power—offering everything, asking nothing.
Swipe to discover the 8 great Nagas of the serpent realm.

One of the most important of the Ashta nagas, meaning the “endless one”- a symbol of infinity. Some ancient texts also describe him as “prajapati”, while others say he was born to Kashyapa and Kadru. Ananta, known for his deep wisdom and asectic nature, once withdrew to sacred places to meditate and fast, eventually receiving a boon that made him indestructible—even when the universe burns. He later became “Adi Shesha”, the divine serpent who supports the cosmos and serves as the eternal bed and canopy of Vishnu. His incarnations include Lakshmana and Balarama, reflecting his divine role across lifetimes.

The revered naga, deeply connected to the divine Lord Shiva. Vasuki was the son of Kashyapa and brother of Ananta. The legend says that vasuki only resides in and near Shiva’s body and even adorns his finger as a ring. Vasuki is known for his diamond-like brilliance and played a vital role in the churning of the ocean of milk (Samudra Manthan). He is also he protector of Nagas; he offered his sister in marriage to the sage Jaratkaru, leading to the birth of Astika, who later saved the serpents from destruction.

Takshaka is one of the Naga chiefs and has an important role in Parikshit and the burning of Khandava. Takshaka was one of the nagas who was cursed and sent out because of the anger of Kadru. Then he went and stayed in the Khandava forest. When Arjuna burned the Khandava forest, he came safely out of it. Shringi, the son of Shamika, cursed Parikshit , who was the emperor and the grandson of Arjuna. The curse was that Parikshit would die after being bitten by Takshaka. Parikshit died that way.

Shamkha, or Shamkhapala, may look fearsome with his many heads and fiery form, but he carries a calm presence — more guardian than threat. Born to Kashyapa and Kadru, Shamkha isn’t known for destruction but for dignity, strength, and service.
Once, the wise sage Narada introduced him to Matali, Indra’s charioteer, a quiet nod to his place among the respected beings of the divine world. And in a deeply moving moment, when Balarama passed from this world, Shamkha was among the sacred few who came to guide his soul to peace. Shamkha is a reminder that strength doesn’t always roar; sometimes, it simply shows up when it matters most.

Karkotaka wasn’t just a serpent, he was powerful, mysterious, and said to rest like a garland on Lord Shiva himself. But even beings like him aren’t free from fate. After being cursed by the sage Narada, Karkotaka found himself trapped in a forest fire. That’s when King Nala, struggling under a curse of his own, found him and pulled him from the flames. In a strange act of gratitude, Karkotaka bit Nala, not out of malice, but to change his appearance and help him stay hidden during his darkest days. He gave Nala a silk cloak with a promise: when the time was right, it would restore him to his true self. Karkotaka isn’t remembered as just a naga — he’s a symbol of tough love, transformation, and unexpected help when we need it most. They say remembering him can even protect you from going onto a dark path.

Padma is the Mahasarpa that holds the north-west part of the earth aloft. Padma was born to Kashyapa in his wife Kadru. Padma’s place is on the right side of Vasuki. Padman has only one head and his red colour is that of lotus.

Shamkha, also lovingly known as Shankhapadma, holds a special place among the great serpent beings. With his majestic white form and a trident mark etched on his hood, he carries not just power, but deep spiritual significance. The trident, symbol of Shiva, hints at his divine connection and protective nature.
Unlike the fearsome serpents of legend, Shamkha's presence feels calm and purposeful. He is a guardian, a guide, and a witness to divine events. His role among the nagas is not just one of strength, but of grace and honor. Whether escorting sacred souls like Balarama to the afterlife, or standing among celestial beings with quiet dignity, Shamkha reminds us that true power can be still, watchful, and full of heart.

Gulika, one of the eight revered Ashtanagas, stands apart with a presence that’s both fierce and fascinating. In the naga mandala, he sits just to the left of Ananta — a position that hints at his quiet strength and unique role among the serpents.

Unlike the others, Gulika has only one hood, like a cobra, but there's nothing simple about him. His deep red color isn’t just striking — it seems to pulse with energy, like fire beneath the surface. He’s known to be powerful, even a little intimidating, but not out of aggression. It's the kind of energy that makes you pay attention. Gulika doesn’t ask for fear — he commands respect. He reminds us that intensity isn’t a flaw, but a force that can lead to deep transformation when understood.