naga etymology

Etymology and Meaning

The word "naga" has multiple etymological origins:

• Sanskrit:
  • "Naga" (नाग) means "serpent" or "snake"
• Proto-Austronesian:
  • Naha: "snake"
  • Nata: "to crawl"

Origin

The concept of nagas originates from ancient Hindu mythology and folk beliefs in Southeast Asia.

Hindu Mythology

• In Hindu mythology, nagas are a race of semi-divine beings with the form of large, human-headed serpents.
• They are associated with water, rain, and fertility.
• The most famous naga is Shesha, the king of all nagas, who serves as a bed or canopy for the god Vishnu.

Southeast Asian Beliefs

• In Southeast Asian cultures, nagas are generally seen as benevolent spirits associated with water, rain, and the underworld.
• They are often depicted as large, non-venomous snakes with human-like heads.
• In some cultures, nagas are believed to be the guardians of sacred places, such as temples and shrines.

Other Uses

• The word "naga" is also used in other contexts:
  • In architecture, a "naga" is a serpent-shaped decoration or motif.
  • In biology, "naga" is a genus of snakes found in Southeast Asia.

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