In Hindu and Buddhist mythology, a semidivine being, half human and half serpent.
Naga s can assume either wholly human or wholly serpentine form. They live in an underground kingdom filled with beautiful palaces that are adorned with gems. Brahma is said to have relegated the naga s to the nether regions and to have commanded them to bite only the truly evil or those destined to die prematurely. Naga s are also associated with waters
rivers, lakes, seas, and wells
and are regarded as guardians of treasure. In Buddhism it is believed that the snake king sheltered the Buddha from rain for seven days while he was meditating.