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Naag

Large snakes which may have more than one head. Naag are the children of Kashyap Jee and Daksh's daughter Kadroo. Kadroo gave birth to 1,000 Naag. Among them 26 Naag are well known - Shesh, Vaasuki, Karkotak, Shankh, Airaavat, Kambal, Dhananjaya, Mahaaneel, Padya, Ashwatar, Takshak, Ailaapatra, Mahaapadm, Dhritraashtra, Balaahak, Shankhpaal, Mahaashankh, Pushpdant, Subhaavan, Shankhromaa, Nahush, Raman, Paanini, Kapil, Durmukh, and Patanjalimukh.

Kashyap Jee said - "Hey Gautam Jee, Now I tell you about the origin of Naag told by Shiv Jee. In earlier times Brahmaa Jee created many Naag and planets. Anant Naag is the form of Soorya (Sun), Vaasuki is the form of Chandramaa (Moon), Takshak is the form of Bhaum (Mangal), Karkotak is the form of Budh (Mercury), Padm is the form of Brihaspati (Jupiter), Mahaapadm is the form of Shukra (Venus), Kulik and Shankhpaal are the form of Shani (Saturn).

Anant, Vasuki, Takshak, Karkotak, Padm, Mahaapadm, Shankhpaal and Kulik are the Lord of the eight directions starting from east, southeast etc. Padm (lotus flower), Utpal (leaf), Swastik, Trishool (trident), Mahaapadm (large lotus flower); Shool (spear), Kshatra, and Ardh-Chandra - these are the eight weapons of the eight Naag respectively. Anant and Kulik are of Braahman caste; Shankh and Vaasuki are of Kshatriya caste; Mahaapadm and Takshak are of Vaishya caste; and Padm and Karkotak are of Shoodra caste. 

Anant and Kulik Naag are of white complexion and are born from Brahmaa Jee; Vaasuki and Shankhpaal are of red complexion and are born from Agni; Takshak and Mahaapadm are of light yellow color and are born from Indra; and Padm and Karkotak are of black complexion and are born from Yam Raaj.
[Bhavishya Puraan, 1/7]

A human tribe of Mongolian race which called itself Naag and who was described in Hindoo mythology as ruling the netherworld (Paataal Lok) and who was later confused with serpents. Actually Naag were ruling the easternmost part of India which was later named Naagaaland. Naagpur and Naagaur were also named after Naag tribe. In MBH, Bheem went to netherworld where he received special powers from Naag king. Pareekshit was also described to have been killed by a Naag (Takshak serpent); while he was most likely killed by a human Naag.
[Aangiras, p 196]

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