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The Divine Serpents
Nagas are divided into four classes: heavenly, divine, earthly and hidden. Vyasa used the Sanskrit words uragan divyan, which means the divine or heavenly serpents. Ananta, Pingala, Vasuki, Takshak and Karkotaka are some of the Snakes that are mentioned in Hindu scriptures as divine. They are honored and worshiped by the Hindus.

The posture of Lord Vishnu on Ananta is known as Ananthasayana. A thousand heads of Ananta can rise over the deity of Lord and has the power to hold the earth. In fact, it is mentioned that earth is located on the hoods of Ananta. The literal meaning of Ananta is ‘One who is endless’. Ananta or Shesha nag is the symbol of Eternity. ‘The Supreme God, having devoured all beings, sleeps on the lap of the serpent.’ (Vishnu Purana 1.2.64-65)

Vasuki is the king of snakes who has a gem in its hoods which are called Nagamani. Vasuki is also mentioned in Buddhist, Japanese and Chinese literature also. In Bengal, Manasa Devi is worshipped who is known as the sister of Vasuki. Vasuki is mentioned in Srimad Bhagavatam in the episode of Samudra Manthan.

Takshak is mentioned in Srimad Bhagavatam as the snake who killed King Parikshit, the first recipient of Srimad Bhagavatam. Takshak took the form of an apple and bit King Parikshit, just to substantiate the curse of the sage.

Pingala is the chief of Nagas who is described in the story of ‘Four Great Treasures’ in Indian and Buddhist literature. Pingala was mentioned as the protector of the treasure hidden at Kalinga.

Karkotaka was Nagavanshi king who was the divine leader of the snakes. Devarishi Narada Muni cursed him once as he deceived him once. When he got trapped in some fire one day, King Nala saved him. Then he helped King Nala in his reunion with his wife Damayanti. In fact, Nagas are classified as such according to their function: guarding the heavenly palace, bringing rainfall, draining rivers or guarding treasures....Read Kathamhka.,Sivkishen Ji, Author