ORIGIN: Hindu (Vedic, Epic and Puranic)
TYPE: Snake god or Naga
INFORMATION: The great serpent lying in the primeval sea and encircling the world. The son of Kasyapa and Kadru. A many headed attendant on Visnu who uses the snake as a couch on which to rest between cycles of the universe. Its many hoods overshadow and protect him. Not technically a deity but important enough in literature to be included here. Also Adisesa; Ananta.