The 64 Varieties of Nagas and the 8 Principal Nagas (Ashta Nagas): Traditional Knowledge and Characteristics

In the rich tapestry of Tantra and traditional vidyas, Nagas occupy a paramount position as guardians of the earth’s mystical treasures and custodians of hidden wisdom. Across scriptures and oral traditions, 64 varieties of Nagas are recognized, each with unique characteristics and roles in the cosmic order. Understanding these Nagas are beyond the grasp of human minds.

1. Ashtanagas (8 Varieties)
2. Viriyan Nagam (6 Varieties)
3. Kiruviriyan Nagam (4 Varieties)
4. Pudaiyan Naga (6 Varieties)
5. Mannuli Paambu (6 Varieties)
6. Saaraippambu (6 Varieties)
7. Suruttai Paambu (4 Varieties)
8. Koolai Paambu (2 Varieties)
9. Komberu Mookkan (2 Varieties)
10. Vazhalai Paambu (6 Varieties)
11. Neer Paambu (6 Varieties)
12. Pacchai Paambu (2 Varieties)
13. Malai Paambu (5 Varieties)
14. Poo Naagam (1 Variety)

Though there are many varieties of Nagas, the focus of worship is primarily on the 8 Nagas, with numerous other Nagas, Naga Kanyas, Naginis & Naga Kumaras are considered to be associated with them. In this context, the number 64 is largely symbolic rather than literal. Among these 8 principal Nagas, each is said to possess four teeth, and are named: Kali, Kalaratri, Neeli, and Neelakandi.

If a man is bitten by any of the varieties of Ashta Nagas, the shape of the teeth mark reveals which teeth that particular Naga used to bite him:

• If the mark appears as “:”, it indicates a bite using the right upper teeth, Kali.
• If the mark is in the shape of an upward-pointing triangle, it indicates a bite using the left upper teeth, Kalaratri.
• If the mark appears as if stitched by thorns, it indicates a bite using the left lower teeth, Neeli.
• If the mark is like a bow, it indicates a bite using the right lower teeth, Neelakandi.

The poison from each Naga’s teeth also has a distinct appearance:

• Kali – the poison resembles dew.
• Kalaratri – the poison appears as yellow water.
• Neeli – the poison looks like red water.
• Neelakandi – the poison resembles water in which rice has been washed.

This knowledge allows one to identify the specific teeth that Naga used to bite and its characteristics, an important aspect of traditional Garudi vidya.

Anantan & Kulikan – The Nagas belonging to the varieties of Ananta and Kulika emerge in search of food only during the night of Saturday and the morning of Sunday. They are white in color and belong to the Brahmana kula. Their sustenance consists solely of air and the scent of flowers, and they reside exclusively in temples.

When they spread their hood, they look towards the sky. These Nagas bite either the front of the foot or the right side of humans, and their bite is known to increase Vada Dosha.

Vasuki & Shankhapala – The Nagas belonging to the varieties of Vasuki and Shankhapala emerge in search of food only during the daytime of Saturday and Monday, within eight hours from sunrise. They are reddish-yellow in color and belong to the Kshatriya kula. Their diet consists exclusively of tubers and beetles, with a particular preference for potatoes.

These Nagas reside under the shade of trees, and when they spread their hood, they look directly at humans. They bite either the left or right side of humans, and their bite is known to increase Pitta Dosha.

Takshaka & Mahapadma – The Nagas belonging to the varieties of Takshaka and Mahapadma emerge in search of food after eight hours from sunrise until sunset on Fridays and Tuesdays. They are yellowish in color and belong to the Vaishya kula. Their diet includes dragon lizards, garden lizards, frogs, rats, and snails.

The Takshaka varieties typically reside in desecrated homes facing south, while the Mahapadma varieties live in desecrated homes in general. When they spread their hood, they look in all four directions. These Nagas bite either the left or the back side of humans, and their bite is known to increase Kapha Dosha.

Padma & Karkodaka – The Nagas belonging to the varieties of Padma and Karkotaka emerge in search of food after six hours from sunrise on Wednesdays and Thursdays. They are black in color and belong to the Kshudra kula. Their diet includes fishes, frogs, crabs, termites, and winged ants.

These Nagas reside in anthills, and when they spread their hood, they look towards the Earth. They bite either the left or right side of humans, and their bite is known to increase Kapha Dosha.

Naga Vidya just not gets limited with the Ashta Nagas. There are 12 Nagas that are associated with each month.

Naga vidya is yet another Vidya that is Sagara. Nothing in the path of Sadhana is simple for a human to get with just a stretch of his hand.

To know about the glimpse of Naga rituals, you shall click here..

FAQs

Q1. How many varieties of Nagas are described in tradition?
There are 64 varieties, including Ashta Nagas, Viriyan Nagam, Pudaiyan, Mannuli, and others. The number 64 is symbolic, but worship mainly focuses on the 8 Nagas.

Q2. How can one identify by  which teeth, Naga has bitten a person?
By the teeth marks:

• Kali → “:” shape (right upper teeth)

• Kalaratri → Upward triangle (left upper teeth)

• Neeli → Thorn-stitch (left lower teeth)

• Neelakandi → Bow shape (right lower teeth)

Q3. What are the features of Anantan & Kulikan Nagas?
They are white, belong to Brahmana kula, appear Sat night–Sun morning, feed only on air and flower scent, live in temples, hood looks skyward, bite front/right foot, and their bite increases Vata dosha.

Q4. What are the features of Vasuki & Shankhapala Nagas?
They are reddish-yellow, belong to Kshatriya kula, appear Sat & Mon daytime, feed on tubers and beetles, live under trees, hood faces humans, bite left/right side, and their bite increases Pitta dosha.

Q5. What are the features of Takshaka & Mahapadma Nagas?
They are yellow, belong to Vaishya kula, appear Tue & Fri daytime, feed on lizards, frogs, rats, and snails, live in desecrated homes (Takshaka = south-facing, Mahapadma = general), hood looks in all directions, bite left/back side, and their bite increases Kapha dosha.

Q6. What are the features of Padma & Karkodaka Nagas?
They are black, belong to Kshudra kula, appear Wed & Thu daytime, feed on fish, frogs, crabs, termites, and ants, live in anthills, hood faces earth, bite left/right side, and their bite increases Kapha dosha.

Q7. Are Nagas connected with time cycles?
Yes, 12 Nagas are associated with each month, showing their connection with kala (time).

Q8. Why is Naga Vidya considered ‘Sagara’?
Because it is vast and deep like the ocean, difficult for humans to fully grasp, and can only be attained through tapas and sadhana.