Naga (nāga)

The nagas are serpent beings who live in a jewelled world beneath the earth and waters, capable of human form, marriage and enmity with human kings. They are woven through the Mahabharata's outer frame: Kadru's curse and Garuda's theft of the nectar, Takshaka's killing of Parikshit, and Janamejaya's snake sacrifice, which is halted by the half naga Astika. Arjuna marries the naga princess Ulupi during his wandering year, and their son Iravan dies fighting for the Pandavas.