The Nāga are divine, semi-divine deities, or a semi-divine race of half-human half-serpent beings that reside in an underground kingdom called Naga-loka, or Patala-loka, which is filled with resplendent palaces, beautifully ornamented with precious gems. They are also associated with waters—rivers, lakes, seas, and wells—and are guardians of treasure.
The female nagas (naginis or nagis) are serpent princesses of striking beauty. The dynasties of Manipur in northeastern India, the Pallavas in southern India, and the ruling family of Funan (ancient Indochina) each claimed an origin in the union of a human being and a nagi.
