Naag

Naag is a term used in several South Asian languages, including Hindi, Urdu, and Marathi, meaning snake or serpent. In everyday usage, it commonly refers to cobras and other snakes.

In Hindu and Buddhist traditions, nāga denotes a class of serpent beings that may be benevolent or protective, often associated with water, fertility, and the underworld. They are depicted in iconography as hooded or multi-headed figures. Important naga figures include Shesha (Ananta), Vasuki, and Takshaka. Shesha is described as the cosmic serpent on whom Vishnu rests; Vasuki serves as the serpent king involved in the myth of the churning of the Ocean of Milk. Nagas are also linked to wealth and the naga mani, a legendary gem.

Cultural influence of nāga is evident in folklore, art, and architecture, where serpentine beings appear as guardians or shapeshifting figures. In South Asia, festivals such as Nag Panchami honor snakes and serpent deities, reflecting the cultural significance of naga in rural and urban communities alike.

Scientific and linguistic context: naag is not a taxonomic term but a linguistic word for snakes. In biology, snakes belong to the suborder Serpentes within the reptiles, encompassing a wide range of species with diverse habitats, behaviors, and venomous capabilities. The term naag is thus used in everyday language and mythological contexts rather than in formal scientific classification.