Naga
/ˈnɑːɡə/noun
A serpent or dragon-like being in Hindu and Buddhist mythology, often associated with water and protection.
Did you know?In Hindu and Buddhist traditions, Nagas are not just snakes; they embody powerful spiritual forces and are often seen as protectors of treasures and sacred places.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*nāgʰa
“To slither or crawl, indicating a serpentine movement.”
Sanskrit
Sanskrit
नाग (Nāga)
“A serpent or dragon, often depicted in mythology as a deity or a being with divine significance.”
Pali
Pali
Nāga
“Similar to Sanskrit, referring to serpentine beings with protective qualities.”
Old Javanese
Old Javanese
Nāga
“Referring to serpent deities in local mythology, emphasizing their role as guardians.”
Modern English
English
Naga
“Retained from earlier forms, now commonly used to describe the mythological serpent beings.”
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