Nagas Gotra
नागस
About
A Gotra tracing descent through the Naga lineage — the sacred serpent beings born of Rishi Kashyapa and his wife Kadru. The Naga Brahmin communities of South India (particularly Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu) use this Gotra, as do certain Rajput and Naga sadhu lineages. The Naga symbolism encompasses wisdom, immortality (serpents shed their skin and are reborn), and the guardianship of hidden treasure — both material and spiritual. Historically, Naga clan communities were among the most powerful in ancient India, ruling kingdoms from Nagpur (City of Nagas) to Mathura. This Gotra bridges the ancient Naga civilisation with the Vedic gotra system through the Kashyapa lineage.
Founding Rishi
Pravara Lineage
The Pravara is a chain of most illustrious ancestors in this Gotra lineage:
Regional Spread
The Nagas Gotra is predominantly found in:
Etymology
The name 'Nagas' (नागस) derives from Sanskrit 'naga' (नाग), meaning 'serpent' or 'cobra,' from the root 'nag' (to move sinuously). Nagas are semi-divine serpent beings of wisdom and power. The name also connects to 'naga' meaning 'mountain,' suggesting an ancient people associated with both serpent worship and mountain regions.
Historical Journey
The Naga lineage traces to Kashyapa and his wife Kadru, who bore the primordial serpents — Shesha, Vasuki, and Takshaka. The Nagas ruled significant kingdoms in ancient India. The Naga dynasty ruled Padmavati and Vidisha (2nd-4th century CE), eventually intermarrying with the Gupta dynasty — Chandragupta I married the Naga princess Kumaradevi. Nagpur preserves this heritage in its name. Naga Brahmins of South India adopted the serpent lineage within the Kashyapa gotra framework. Naga worship remains one of the most widespread ritual traditions across India.
Migration & Diaspora
The earliest Naga kingdoms centred in central India — Vidisha, Padmavati (Pawaya), Mathura. Southward migration brought Naga traditions to Andhra, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, where serpent worship became deeply embedded. In Rajasthan, certain Rajput clans claim Naga descent. The Naga Brahmins of South India represent priestly families associated with ancient Naga shrines.
Presence Across Regions
Andhra Pradesh & Tamil Nadu
Brahmin (Naga Brahmin)
Naga Brahmin communities maintain serpent worship traditions, particularly at Subramanya and Kukke temples.
Madhya Pradesh
Naga dynasty descendants
Ancient Naga kingdom of Padmavati was centred here. Nagpur named after Naga rulers.
Rajasthan
Rajput (Naga-descended clans)
Certain Rajput clans trace Naga ancestry, particularly in Nagaur.
Kerala
Brahmin and Nair
Kerala's sarpa kavus (snake groves) and Nagaradhana rituals reflect deep Naga influence.
Uttar Pradesh (Mathura)
Brahmin and Kshatriya
Naga kings of Mathura predated the Kushanas. Naga worship strong in the Braj region.
Notable Personalities
Shesha (Ananta)
Puranic (primordial)
The thousand-headed cosmic serpent upon whom Vishnu reclines, representing infinity and the fundamental support of the universe.
Vasuki
Puranic
King of Nagas who served as the churning rope during the Samudra Manthan.
Kumaradevi
4th century CE
Naga princess whose marriage to Chandragupta I inaugurated the Gupta Golden Age.
Stories & Legends
Kadru and the Birth of the Nagas
Kashyapa's wife Kadru wished for a thousand serpent sons. They became the guardians of the underworld, keepers of buried treasures, and embodiments of kundalini energy. Shesha, Vasuki, and Takshaka led the Naga race.
Vasuki and the Churning of the Ocean
When the Devas and Asuras needed a rope to churn the cosmic ocean, Vasuki offered his own body. As gods and demons pulled him back and forth, he suffered terribly, vomiting the deadly Halahala poison. Shiva drank the poison, turning his throat blue, saving the universe.
Ritual Significance
The Nagas gotra follows the Atharvaveda with Kashyapa pravara (Kashyapa-Avatsara-Nidhruvha). Naga Panchami (fifth of Shravana) is the principal festival. Kerala's sarpa kavus and nagaradhana rituals are particularly associated. Marriage restrictions follow Kashyapa-lineage rules.