noun
- Plural of naga; in Hindu and Buddhist mythology, serpent deities or semi-divine beings, often depicted as human above the waist and snake below.
Usage: mythology; often capitalized when referring to specific mythological figures
Examples
- In Hindu mythology, nagas are powerful serpent beings that guard treasures and water sources.
- The temple's stone carvings depicted nagas coiled around the pillars.
- Buddhist texts describe nagas as protectors of the dharma.
- The naga king Vasuki is famous in Indian legends for his role in the churning of the ocean.
- Many Southeast Asian temples feature nagas as architectural and spiritual symbols.