The legend of the Naga has been passed down in Thailand for generations. The Naga is described as a giant serpent with a crest on its head, a beard beneath its chin, scales covering its body, and beautifully patterned tail. It is believed to possess supernatural powers, including the ability to change its form and bring rain. In Buddhist tradition, the Naga is regarded as a sacred mythical being that can also transform into a human. The legend of the Naga has been known throughout Southeast Asia for centuries, especially in Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia. In Thailand, belief in the Naga remains deeply rooted. One well-known example is the Naga Fireballs, which are believed to rise from the Mekong River every year on the full moon of the eleventh lunar month. This phenomenon is said to occur only once a year. As a result, people living along the Mekong River, whether in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia, have long incorporated belief in the Naga into their way of life.
The Nine Great Naga Kings, Rulers of the Underwater Realm
According to the religious beliefs and cultural traditions of many Southeast Asian peoples, especially in the legends of Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia, the Naga is regarded as a divine serpent with the power to control water and as a symbol of greatness and sacredness. In these legends, the Nine Great Naga Kings are described as the rulers of the nine realms beneath the waters. They are believed to maintain the balance of nature and water, protect the human world from spiritual dangers, and bring prosperity to those who worship them.
1. Ananta Nagaraja
Ananta Nagaraja is the divine serpent who serves as the mount and companion of Vishnu. The word “Ananta” means “endless” or “without end.” His body is said to be so long that it can coil around the entire world. Originally, he was known as Shesha Nagaraja, the first son of Kashyapa and Kadru. Ananta Nagaraja is regarded as the supreme king of all Nagas in the Ocean of Milk and faithfully accompanies Vishnu. He has 1,000 heads, and when he coils himself in the Ocean of Milk, his body becomes the resting couch of Vishnu.
2. Muchalinda Nagaraja
Muchalinda Nagaraja is the Naga King who appears in the life story of the Buddha. He spread his hood to protect Gautama Buddha from a storm that lasted for seven days while the Buddha was enjoying the bliss of liberation beneath the Muchalinda tree during the sixth week after his enlightenment. This event is the origin of the Buddha Protected by the Naga image. Muchalinda Nagaraja is believed to possess great spiritual power and resides in the Bokkharani Pond near the Muchalinda tree. He belongs to the lineage of the Seven-Headed Naga, which is believed to have continued down to Phaya Si Satta Nagaraja, who is regarded as the king of the Nagas on the Lao side of the Mekong River.
3. Bhujanga Nagaraja
Bhujanga Nagaraja, also known as Visuddhi Deva, is the Naga King associated with Shiva. His body is gray, while his chest and heads are red. Depending on his manifestation, he may have 1, 3, 5, 7, or 9 heads. He belongs to the Chhappaya Putta lineage and serves as the guardian Naga of Shiva.
4. Phaya Si Suttho Nagaraja
Phaya Si Suttho Nagaraja is believed to rule the Naga city on the Thai side of the Mekong. His body is emerald green, and his heads are golden. He is known for his great compassion toward those who worship him. It is believed that sincere prayers for wishes that do not harm others may be fulfilled. Because of this, many people come to pay their respects and make vows before him. Devotees respectfully call him “Chao Pu Si Suttho.” He is said to enjoy listening to the teachings of enlightened monks and can manifest either as a single-headed Naga or as a human. An old Isan saying describes him: “During the waxing moon, the Naga becomes a human; during the waning moon, he returns to being a Naga.”
5. Phaya Si Satta Nagaraja
Phaya Si Satta Nagaraja is one of the most powerful Naga Kings. His name also appears in the Urangkhathat Legend, which tells that the Buddha once visited Mount Nandakangri, where the giant Yaksha woman Nanda lived. At that time, a seven-headed Naga named Si Satta Naga respectfully requested the Buddha to leave his sacred footprint there. The Buddha stepped onto the mountain and smiled. When Ananda asked the reason, the Buddha replied that he had seen a vision of a seven-headed Naga. In the future, this place would become a city called Si Satta Naga.
6. Phaya Phet Phat Nagaraja (Phaya Klet Kaeo Nagaraja)
Phaya Phet Phat Nagaraja, also known as Phaya Klet Kaeo Nagaraja, is the only son of Ananta Nagaraja and Queen Usa Anantawadi. His original body is golden because his mother is the daughter of Thao Virupaksa and Queen Nopket Nakini Devi of the Virupaksa lineage. His diamond-like scales were gained through his accumulated spiritual merit. He can display nine heads and is highly skilled in battle. During many wars among the celestial beings, he always served as one of the chief commanders. He also received a sacred sword from the sage Thep Atsadon and learned many sacred arts from divine sages.
7. Phaya Nak Dam Saen Siri Chanthra Nagaraja
Phaya Nak Dam Saen Siri Chanthra Nagaraja is the son of Phaya Si Satta Nagaraja and Queen Mathurinradi Devi, who is a daughter of Ananta Nagaraja. His body is black with an orange hue. His weapon is a golden spear tipped with a diamond. He is handsome, excels in both combat and strategy, and is swift like lightning. He is also known for his virtue and righteousness. His consort, Queen Wichura Aradi Devi, is one of the daughters of Ananta Nagaraja and his devoted queen.
8. Phaya Yasman Nagaraja
Phaya Yasman Nagaraja, also known as Phaya Yasmanraya Nagaraja, is the son of Ananta Nagaraja and Princess Sroi Saeng Khiri of the Virupaksa lineage. His body is bluish green, with a golden midsection, an orange-red tail, and reddish-orange eyes. Phaya Yasman Nagaraja never took a consort because he was unable to marry the one he loved, Princess Munyarin Rani Devi, the daughter of Bhujanga Nagaraja and Queen Thongkham Sri Pangtan. Bhujanga Nagaraja was very protective of his youngest daughter. Unable to be together and unwilling to go against her father’s wishes, Phaya Yasman devoted himself to religious practice and remained a celestial Naga King in service to Indra.
9. Phaya Kharata Sri Thewa Nagaraja
Phaya Kharata Sri Thewa Nagaraja is one of the commanders of the Naga King’s army. He is admired for his wisdom, courage, and outstanding abilities as a warrior. His body is entirely golden, and he has nine heads. He possesses tremendous strength and is known for his love of meditation, solitude, and a simple way of life. Above all, he is respected for always keeping his word and remaining true to his promises.
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