In Hindu and Buddhist mythology, the Kathmandu Valley was once home to a vast lake known as Nagadaha, the home of the Nagas. This underwater region, known as Nagaloka, is believed to have been a mysterious kingdom in prehistoric times, about 120,000 years ago. According to legend, this submerged valley was a thriving ecosystem ruled by powerful Naga gods, whose capital was in the underworld. Nagaloka was renowned for its natural beauty and architectural splendor. Nagas were revered as the guardians of water sources, protectors of treasures, as well as controllers of rain, fertility, and prosperity.
According to legend, the Kathmandu Valley remained a lake until the Bodhisattva Manjushri, who was traveling from Tibet, saw the potential for human settlement. To make the land habitable, he used his sword to cut a ravine in the Chovar. The water from the ravine drained out, revealing the fertile valley. This event displaced the Nagas. The water shortage caused a drought. The rain-controlling serpents were swept away or relocated. To appease the displaced serpents, Manjushri negotiated with the serpent king Karkotak and persuaded him to stay in the valley. The displaced serpents began to settle in small lakes. Arrangements were made for Karkotak to live in Taudah (“Ta” means serpent and “Dah” means lake) and for Vasuki to live in Nagadaha. Once the serpents settled in the valley, sufficient rainfall was ensured. An underwater palace studded with gold and gems was built in Taudah in honor of the serpent king Karkotak. Such a luxurious residence arrangement reflects the reverence for the serpents.
Taudah is described in legends as a magnificent region. A magnificent palace at the center of Taudah was made of rare materials. The palace was decorated with glittering pearls, gems, and intricate carvings depicting the history of the serpents. Its halls held vast treasures, including gold, silver, and ancient artifacts of immense power. Possessing deep knowledge and magical abilities, the serpents lived in harmony with the underwater ecosystem, maintaining its delicate balance. Historical ponds such as Naga Pokhari feature wooden pillars with golden serpent heads as a tribute to the serpents. Festivals such as Naga Panchami emphasize the role of the serpents in ensuring rain, especially during the Rato Machhindranath Rath Mahotsav in Patan.
Among the kings of the serpents, Karkotak Naga, Vasuki Naga, Shesh Naga (Ananta) and Takshak Nagas are given special importance in Hindu mythology.
Karkotak Naga
Karkotak is a powerful serpent king, believed to be associated with weather control. Karkotak Naga is considered a rain god, especially since the role of rain is very important in the agricultural system of the Kathmandu Valley. According to local legend in Kathmandu, Karkotak was the ruler of Nagaloka and resided in a grand palace on the banks of the old Kathmandu Lake. His presence ensures rain, and an underwater palace was built in his honor. Karkotak is worshipped on Naga Panchami for protection from snake bites and natural disasters such as storms and earthquakes. Karkotak is one of the eight serpents worshipped on Naga Panchami, symbolizing fertility and protection. Their legacy is evident in places like Dhapakhyo in Lalitpur, where pilgrims pay homage to the serpent gods.
Vasuki Naga
Vasuki is a devoted devotee of Lord Shiva, often depicted wrapped around Shiva’s neck. In the context of the Samudra Manthan, Vasuki played a crucial role in extracting nectar by acting as a rope to pull the Mandara mountain. He is considered a symbol of wisdom, loyalty, and dedication.
Vasuki is believed to have been relocated to Nagadaha, located on the southern edge of the Kathmandu Valley. In recognition of his contribution to the rainfall and agricultural prosperity of the valley, he is one of the eight major serpents worshipped on the occasion of Naga Panchami.
The connection between Vasuki and Shiva further enhances his spiritual dignity. Vasuki is worshipped especially during traditional festivals in the Kathmandu Valley, reflecting his rain-making power and positive impact on agriculture.
SheshaNaga (Ananta)
SheshaNaga, also known as Ananta, is a cosmic serpent and the king of all serpents. He acts as a bed for Lord Vishnu in the cosmic ocean. SheshNaga is believed to hold the universe in its talons, symbolizing eternity and stability. In the Mahabharata, he is described as residing in Patala, enjoying luxuries such as music and delicious food.
In Kathmandu mythology, SheshNaga is associated with the belief that the earth rests on his head. His worship during Naga Panchami is essential for cosmic balance. Although not explicitly tied to any specific lake, like Karkotak and Vasuki, their widespread presence in Hindu cosmology influences the rituals of the valley. Places like AnantNaga in Kashmir, which are named after him, also reflect similar reverence.
SheshNaga’s connection with Vishnu and cosmic stability make him a central figure in Naga Puja. Devotees venerate him during Naga Panchami to ward off calamities and ensure prosperity. His avatars, such as Krishna’s brother Balarama and Rama’s brother Lakshmana, further enhance his status.
Takshak Naga
The powerful and fearsome Naga king Takshak was the ruler of Khandava forest. He is known as a fearsome and influential snake due to his fierce nature and deadly venom. Takshak is mentioned in the Mahabharata as the cause of the death of King Parikshit. After Parikshit died from Takshak’s bite, his son Janamejaya started a huge snake sacrifice in an attempt to eliminate the entire snake race. However, the incident of Takshak’s life being saved in the end due to the intervention of Guru Astik also conveys the message of protection and compassion of the snakes.
Takshak is also considered a snake that protects wealth and treasures. Although his main mythological context is not directly connected to the Kathmandu Valley, he is one of the eight major snakes worshipped on Naga Panchami. This confirms his cultural importance. The valley’s ancient lake myths, the tradition of worshipping snakes as symbols of nature, fertility and protection, extends to Takshak.
His fierce reputation reflects the dual nature of the snakes – both benevolent and destructive. Therefore, the worship of Naga Panchami is not only a form of reverence but also an attempt to appease the wrath of powerful serpents like Takshak and to gain protection from them.
Muchalinda
Muchalinda is a Buddhist serpent king who protected the Buddha from a storm with his cloak while he was meditating as Bodhisattva. In major Buddhist centers like the Kathmandu Valley, Muchalinda is remembered with special reverence at places like Swayambhunath and Boudhanath.
Saving the Buddha by keeping his life current is a symbol of Muchalinda’s selfless service and dedication. His compassionate and protective qualities are in keeping with the Buddhist spirit of the valley.
Sculptures of Muchalinda are widespread in Southeast Asian Buddhist art, and in Nepal he is also revered as the protective serpent of enlightened beings.
Dhritarashtra
Dhritarashtra is a serpent king mentioned in Buddhist texts who was the father of a bodhisattva associated with the life of Gautama Buddha in a past life. His presence in Buddhist tradition is considered significant, particularly in the Vihara tradition, in the context of Buddhist serpent worship in Kathmandu.
His connection to the Buddhist lineage and his role in preserving the Buddha’s teachings (dharma) make him a proud and respected figure. His wisdom is appealing to Buddhist devotees. As the leader of the Nagas in Buddhist stories, Dhritarashtra’s contribution supports the Naga tradition of protecting water sources and preserving spiritual heritage.
Nanda
Nanda is a Buddhist Naga king, usually depicted with Upananda. They lead the Nagas who protect the Buddha and his teachings. Nanda’s role in the Kathmandu Valley is consistent with Buddhist rituals performed at natural water sources. His dedication to protecting the Buddha’s teachings makes him a loyal and beloved Naga king. His association with water, prosperity, and fertility has made him even more attractive to the agrarian culture of the valley.
Nanda’s presence reinforces the role of the Nagas in Buddhist art and worship rituals as divine protectors of water, which is an integral part of the agricultural and spiritual life of Kathmandu.
Upananda
Upananda is another Buddhist Naga king who collaborates with Nanda, whose function is to protect the Buddha and his followers. Due to his prominent place in Buddhist literature, he is believed to be worshipped in monasteries and holy places in Kathmandu. His association with Nanda and his protective role make him a poignant symbol of unity and protection. His kindness and protective nature are beloved by the Buddhist community. Upananda’s image in Buddhist art and his association with rain and fertility are deeply reflected in the valley’s Naga Puja, especially festivals such as Naga Panchami.
Tradition of Naga Puja
Naga Panchami, celebrated on the fifth day of the bright fortnight of Shravan, is a major cultural festival in the Kathmandu Valley. The festival is especially celebrated in honour of the eight major Nagas namely Karkotak, Vasuki, Shesha, and Takshak. The rituals of worship include painting pictures of Nagas on doors with cow dung, offering milk, Akshata, sindoor, and observing a fast, which is believed to protect against snake bites, scorpions, and natural disasters. The festival is not only religious but also deeply related to the monsoon-based agricultural culture. The snakes are believed to have an influence on the rainfall in the valley, and are worshipped in the hope of rain and prosperity.
Symbols of power and protection
The historic ponds of Kathmandu, such as Nagapokhari and Nagadhunga, have been established as places of worship for snakes since ancient times. Nagapokhari is considered a particularly sacred site, a center for the worship and protection of the snake deities. According to several sources, the construction of Nagapokhari is attributed to Queen Suvarna Prabha in the 17th century. This fact indicates that she was active as a queen or patron during the reign of a ruler of the Malla period, possibly King Pratap Malla (1641–1674). Pratap Malla had famous ponds like Rani Pokhari built, which suggests that Nagapokhari may also be a work of that period.
Similarly, Nagabahal, located in the ancient city of Patan, is a historic Buddhist site, which was formerly a monastery and now houses a courtyard containing Buddhist relics from the 8th century Lichchhavi era. The Samyaka Mahadan festival is celebrated here every five years in honour of Dipankara Buddha. In Buddhist philosophy, the Nagarajas are also considered guardians of water, wealth and wisdom, controlling rain and fertility. The name Nagabahal is associated with the serpent and is associated with local water bodies, where festivals such as Naga Panchami celebrate the role of the serpent in prosperity, reflecting the Buddhist connection with nature. These sites present the serpents as guardians of water, the power to protect against disaster, and symbols of geological balance.
Comment