Elements of Hindu Iconography v4.c35.s2.4

v4.c35.s2.4

The *Śilparatna* adds that the Nāgas should be half human and half serpentine in shape, the lower part, below the navel being that of a snake. Their heads must be covered with hoods having one, three, five or seven heads and they should have split tongues like those of snakes. In their hands they must carry a sword and a shield respectively. The *Maya-śilpa* gives the detailed descriptions of the seven great Nāgas, Vāsuki, Takshaka, Kārkoṭaka, Padma, Mahāpadma, Śaṅkhapāla and Kuḷika as follows:—