Naga Kanya statue (bronze) in execution as shown in photo, 23 cm high.

Nāga (Sanskrit: नाग) is the Sanskrit and Pali word for a class of supernatural beings in Buddhism and Hinduism that often take the appearance of a snake or dragon. Outside of Buddhism and Hinduism, Nagas are also considered a mythical creature. Nagas originate from India and were brought to China and the Far East by Buddhism, so the naga influenced the Chinese dragon. Sometimes nagas are half human and half snake. The natural shape of Nagas is that of a large snake. However, they have the power to (temporarily) change their body, and can therefore appear in different guises: Dragon, water dragon, as a multi-headed dragon, human, half snake and half human or human with snakes growing from the head . According to Hinduism, the Nagas possess a divine pearl of knowledge. Nagas can be benevolent or malevolent and will give you rubies if you win them over, but their poison is deadly. Nagas become angry easily and their breath and eye gaze can be fatal. In Hinduism and in the Jataka stories of Buddhism, the enormous Garoeda birds are the great enemy of the Nagas. It is said that in Buddhism the nagas are part of the Catummaharajika devas. However, this is incorrect; the nagas are added in many places in Buddhist iconography as minor figures behind, below, or next to main figures. Nagas often take on the role of guard. In India, nagas guard the gates of sacred places. Their images are placed on platforms around Asvattha trees; it would promote human fertility. They also often guard sacred relics of the Buddha or his disciples. Two classes of nagas are distinguished: land nagas and water nagas. Sometimes called 'hidden nagas', the land nagas guard treasures and have several underground cities. One of these cities is called Bhogavati and is a radiant city of music and flowers, ruled by the snake king Takshaka. Nagas of the water live in springs, rivers and lakes. They have palaces on the seabed, made of the most precious metals and gemstones. Water nagas form clouds and give rain, but when angry they devastate the land with floods.