Publisher's Synopsis
Nagas have been associated with gods and worshipped materials, and they are mentioned in magic texts and prayers to protect against their potential harm. The term Naga may refer to the oldest tribal communities in the world; to snake worshiping Aryan tribes; to the Naga royal lines of the Kings of Magadha, viz., Shishunaga dynasty (c. 413 - 395 BCE).The linage of Naga kings dating back to the Gupta period; and to the various Naga communities settled in different parts of India during the early and medieval periods, such as the Nagas of Vidisha, Padmavathi, Kantipur and Mathura; the Nagas of Erikina (Madhya Pradesh); the Nagas of Bastar; so on.
The concept of Kundalini in Hinduism links snakes to the energy at the base of the spine. Christianity views snakes as symbols of chaos and evil, but also as representations of wisdom. Jainism and Buddhism also have associations with snakes, depicting them as divine beings or protectors. Snakes are connected to the earth's foundation in Indian mythology, with the thousand-headed serpent Shesha holding and supporting the world.
The book describes the Nagas as one form of community in India from the time of the Later Vedic period. The most famous Nagas are Sesa or Ananta, Vasuki, Taksaka, Sankha, Mani and others.
