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Introduction As mentioned previously, there are Eight Great Naga Lords. What follows are, according to ancient texts and oral traditions, their appearance, mythic properties and invocations. These invocations appear again as part of the Grand Puja later in this book. Unlike the Dikpalas, I have not drawn specific images of the Naga Lords, but have provided key sigils of each. Some of these sigils mirror prescribed images of these Naga Lords found in texts, but many are received images I scribed as part of my Sadhana work. One reason for this is that, according to ancient lore, the Naga may appear in many different forms. They may appear as large serpents, with different numbers of heads (1, 3, 5, 7, sometimes 9 and Sesha sometimes has 1000!). When invoked, they may appear as human beings, stately kings or lovely maidens. They may appear as half human (top) and half serpent (bottom), an iconography often seen in statues and (!) anime characters. Therefore, where I could not find an historical image of a Naga, I directly worked with the Naga ritually and received what were, for me, important images useful for invoking them. I encourage you to either use my sigils or ask the Naga for your own personal images to use. The following descriptions are from one textural source though, as you will see, my direct visionary experience has been somewhat different. ‘Traditional’ descriptions are included for those who are interested. Finally, the three Naga Kings (Anata, Vasuki and Takshaka) are the most powerful lords of Bhogavati; the other five Naga lords are great spirits, but are noted less in texts and are much harder to track down. Some are harder to work with than others, and while none are evil in and of themselves, Naga, like people, can run hot or cold, cruel or generous. It always behooves one to be polite, humble and extremely thankful when dealing with the Naga. In other words, be nice, avoid arrogance and never think that you can order about or threaten a Naga. The sacred texts are full of examples of this proving to be a very bad idea. Appearance According to tradition as stated in texts, all the Eight Naga Kings, are said to appear as follows: — Each Naga Lord has ‘two tongues’ (forked tongue?) — Each has seven heads that rise up and over a human-like body, like a hood. — Each of the serpent heads has a glowing jewel on the top. — Each Naga wears three handsome coats. — They are part human and the bottom half is a serpent. — They each carry an Aksamala (a Mala or rosary of 108 Rudraksha beads, seeds from a tree that are sacred to Shiva). — They each carry a Kamandalu (a metal open pot used for water, a sign of a Sadhu or holy man, also an important symbol of Shiva). The special Mala and the Kamandalu are both sacred to Shiva, the most primal Tantric God. They are especially sacred to a very ancient primal form of Shiva, Rudra. He is called the ‘howler’ and is a fierce and destructive form of Shiva, an ancient storm God. The iconography of these described Naga Lords fits with the most ancient symbolism of pre-Hindu Tantric practices and thought, indicating the ancient origins of the Naga. What follows are sections for each of the Naga Lords. Each contains the following: — A sigil (image) for each Naga Lord. — A description of that Naga Lord as compiled from data accumulated by researching texts, myths and so on.

— The ‘traditional’ image of the Naga Lord as he or she is said to appear to the Sadhaka when being invoked. This comes from traditional occult texts that read much like grimoires. — Last I have synthesized a comprehensive invocation for that Naga Lord, combining all the information I have been able to find on that Naga along with inspired visionary experiences from working directly with the Naga.

Anata Naga Anata Naga (Void) is also called Sesha, the primordial serpent who encircles the universe, much like the world-serpent Surtur in Norse mythology, or the Oroboros in Hermetic philosophy. He is referenced in many myths and stories. He resides so deep under the world that he is said to sit upon the giant tortoise supported by the giant elephants that carries the universe throughout the aeons. He provides shelter for Vishnu as he dreams the universe into being, reclining on his back, floating on the primal ocean of creation. His curling and uncurling creates and destroys the universe as the beginning and end of each Kalpa or age. He is Adi Naga or the primal Naga and is said to have 1000 heads, each bearing a jewel. These jewels are said to be all the stars in heaven. Traditional appearance when invoked: Anata is said to be blinding white, brilliant as the sun, with an endless encircling tail and a thousand heads with glowing diamond-like jewels on each one. What follows are parts of an original invocation generated by Sadhana that gives a number of key mythological aspects of this Naga. The full invocation will be found as part of the final Grand Naga Puja. Anata Naga! Void and manifesting void In your uncoiling is the creation of the universe In your coiling is the destruction of the universe; The end and beginning of each Kalpa O dragon-serpent root of creation You who before all beings Arose from and embody the cosmic ocean of nothingness Your star-covered scales aflame with the first dawn, You encircle mount Meru, Protecting the light of Om Each head surmounted by a blazing star-jewel, Brilliant, glittering in infinite darkness You are the serpentine galaxy helix spinning You the serpentine dance of the first vibration Manifesting as renewal and rebirth Within your endless flowing coils, All things arise and fall and arise again You are ancient of days, From beginning to ending to beginning Hara Dev (Vishnu) rides upon your back Dreaming the universe into being.

Takshaka Naga Takshaka Naga is named the King of the Naga in many references, especially in the Mahabharata. He is a friend of Indra (a later mythic addition) and spared from the great serpent sacrifice of King Janamejaya who was, in turn, avenging the death of his father from a serpent bite. The sage Vyasa saved Takshaka at the last minute in exchange for treasure. Takshaka is very poisonous, mighty and connected with clever robbery. After being expelled from his kingdom he sought help from the Devas where he achieved Indra’s protection. There is much more to be said, but in terms of mythos, we see the worship of a powerful and ancient Naga spirit uprooted and then incorporated into Vedic (Indra) cults. The sage Vyasa upheld the survival of the Naga race with treasure as recompense. In other words, it seems this mighty Naga King was too valuable an entity to burn or discard. Takshaka is identified as the great Naga King of Bhogavati (the underworld kingdom of the Naga), as well as being the most heroic leader. Virile, powerful, very deadly and a powerful leader, he is also associated with the great Naga queen and folk deity, Manasa Devi (possibly his mother) and also with the Hindu God of healing, Dhanvantari. Some of his shrines, especially in Kashmir, are located near springs, and serve even today as actual healing centers. Traditional appearance when invoked: Takshaka Naga appears as a glistening red Naga, with a glowing swastika image on his hood. (Note: The swastika is an ancient symbol of blessing, peace and illumination.) What follows are parts of an original invocation generated by Sadhana that gives a number of key mythological aspects of this Naga. The full invocation will be found as part of the final Grand Naga Puja. Takshaka Naga! Hero of the Naga Great shining serpent of swiftness, power and warrior skills! You are poisonous, fierce and relentless in your pursuit of justice You are called ‘woodcutter’ because you mow down your enemies You deified hero-king of primal times Spirit of might and beauty Gem burning brilliantly on your head In the Vedas and Sutras you are named Takshaka Vaisaleya Great son of the mighty river Your venom is famed and is gathered for alchemical wonders You have fought and lost to the demon Ravana But lived to fight and win the day You came forth from the forest A friend of Indra General and hero of the Naga You proclaim yourself Master Healer Patron of healers and teacher of Rasa Yoga! You are called wrathful and sharp of weapons Yet you are the Lord of righteousness As Lord of healing you sit with the healing God Dhanvantari As Takshakesvara and Takha-ji! You are mighty enough to slay hosts and churn the cosmic ocean And your venom is feared and threatens the world But you also hold the cup of healing And the fruit of medicine.

Vasuki Naga Vasuki is also called the King of Bhogavati and, along with Takshaka and Anata, is referred to as ‘one of the three Lords of Bhogavati.’ He is most famous as the key hero of one of the great Hindu myths, the churning of the great milky ocean (milky way) of the primordial cosmos as the gods and demons (Devas and Asuras) sought the nectar of immortality, Amrita. Vasuki helped the gods and demons, who were forced to work together, by having them pull each end of his body while wrapping about Mt. Meru, the holy place of Shiva and Shakti. In this way the Asuras grabbed his head and the Devas grabbed his tail and they pulled back and forth and so churned the milky ocean with the spinning mountain. Many sacred items and Gods emerged (Shri Lakshmi, Soma Deva, the sought-after Amrita and so on), but the venom Vasuki generated by this mighty effort killed many Asura and threatened the whole world until Shiva drank it and transmuted it into bliss, this saving all the world. It is likely for this reason that Vasuki is associated with alchemy (Rasa Yoga). The transmutation of poisons into powerful healing elixirs is a cornerstone of all alchemy. He is also associated with many plants, especially those used in healing. Vasuki still has many shrines and temples and, in fact, is one of the Gods regularly invoked in Hindu ritual when a new home is blessed. His worship is very popular even today. He said to be beautiful and is particularly associated with Shiva. Thus the great wise serpent that Shiva wears about his neck, Nagaraja, is often said to be the wise Vasuki who whispers knowledge and advice in his ear. Vasuki is mentioned in several holy texts as the Naga who rallies the Naga people or tribes together for noble causes, such as helping Sesha or protecting the world. As such, he is seen as very regal and heroic. As King of Bhogavati, he is associated with wealth and obtaining wealth more than other Naga. Traditional appearance when invoked: Vasuki Naga appears as a pearl (iridescent) white Naga of great luminous power and beauty. What follows are parts of an original invocation generated by Sadhana that gives a number of key mythological aspects of this Naga. The full invocation will be found as part of the final Grand Naga Puja. Vasuki! You Are the Lord Of The Underworld You are the foundation and Guardian of every palace and home You are truly king of the Naga! Spirit of healing plants You are King of Bhogavati And Lord of the splendid palace Patala You are the leader of the serpent tribes It is you the Naga spirits of lake, spring and river obey You are the Adi Parvan, nexus of Naga energies, One who brings all the Naga powers together, Focused, clear, dangerous! You save the Naga tribes from persecution You guard and defend the family You are a valiant brother to the warrior Arjuna! You offered yourself as a Uniter of Both Worlds Accomplishing their goal of churning the primal ocean of milk To manifest Amrita and find immortality Wrapping about mount Mandara, the mountain called Meru The holy Shri mountain You used this great mountain to churn the cosmic waters Asuras pulling one end of your mighty length The gods pulling the tail Your mighty labors created The pernicious poison venom Halahala Which almost destroyed the world! Only Shiva could save the world by drinking this poison Discovering the secret of alchemy and transmutation Thus he is called Nilakantha and you Are known forever as the mighty Nila Naga! Finally, amazing things emerged from your churning! Chief among them Shri Devi Maha Lakshmi, Goddess of wealth! Thus you are bringer of great cosmic wealth And finally your actions produced Amrita, All of your serpent people received a drop of this! And so it is your gift to your tribe Long life and semi-divinity In the Ramayana is your greatness extolled! Your wealthy and joyous land of Bhogavati You ride about Shiva’s neck as Nagaraja You bring joy and knowledge to the Adinath You kept your Naga tribes safe from Garuda O Basak Nag, Basuki, Nagaraja Vasuki!

Padmaka Naga There is very little written about Padmaka Naga (also called Padma Naga). This Naga is feminine, is lotus-colored (a kind of light pink), arises from a lotus lake and is seen as a guardian Naga of the South. It should be noted that the term Padma is used often for Lakshmi and other Goddesses of fertility, wealth and protection. Traditional appearance when invoked: Padmaka Naga (Padma Naga) appears as a lotus-colored Naga (pinkish-white) with a white streak on the hood and wearing red coral ornaments. What follows are parts of an original invocation generated by Sadhana that gives a number of key mythological aspects of this Naga. The full invocation will be found as part of the final Grand Naga Puja. O Padmaka Naga! Great Naga of beautiful form Arising from The Lotus Lake of spring-fed mountains Beautiful as a Lotus, terrible as a storm Lotus Skinned, Surrounded By Brilliance Sacred Waters spring from your body You bring wisdom, power and crystalline energies.

Kulika Naga Kulika Naga is also called Kalia (Kaliya) and Kulka and is best known for his interaction with the God Krishna within which we see, once again, the earlier Naga cult being superseded and entwined with later Deva cults. Kaliya was the name of an exceptionally poisonous Naga living in the Yamuna River or in a lake that fed off of this river. He and his family made it an impossible place for humans and animals in that it ‘boiled and bubbled with poison.’ He originally lived in the land of Ramanaka Dwipa, but had been driven out by his enemy Garuda (representing perhaps the solar cult driving out the chthonian serpent cult), and moved to where Garuda could not follow. Called by the local inhabitants who were unhappy to have their waters turned to poison, Krishna leaped into the lake and had a big fight with Kaliya. Krishna appeared to be losing until he manifested his divine form, becoming the whole world-power. As such, he danced on Kaliya’s head and almost killed him until Kaliya’s Naga wives all came and prayed for his life. Krishna spared Kulika but ordered him to go to a new home (which was actually his original home, safe for his family now that he was under Krishna’s protection) so the people nearby could use the waters they desperately needed. The Naga agreed and, in fact, bowed down to Krishna and honored him afterward. The image of Krishna dancing on Kaliya is famous. The whole story gives us a snapshot of syncretism and the absorption of Naga from an earlier ophidian cult into the cult of Krishna, a very primal God of fertility, indeed. This episode is remembered as the ‘Kalinga Nartana’ in South India. Kaliya is thus known as a very powerful Naga of ‘one hundred and ten heads,’ giant in size and particularly poisonous and intense. Yet his surrender to Krishna (bliss, transcendence and the power of fertility) is shown by Krishna’s footprints permanently marked on his head. This transformed Kaliya into a powerful ally and he became known as a mighty Naga of intelligence and justice. Images of Krishna dancing atop Kulika are still common in India today. Traditional appearance when invoked: Kulika Naga (Kulka Naga, Kaliya Naga) appears as a deep red Naga with a glowing crescent moon on his forehead (one could also add, with footprint images on top of his head). What follows are parts of an original invocation generated by Sadhana that gives a number of key mythological aspects of this Naga. The full invocation will be found as part of the final Grand Naga Puja. Kaliya Naga! Great Naga brilliant As the Full Moon Arising from the turbulent Poisoned Waters You of Great Wisdom and Intense Power Nagaji of Sadhana, of secret Siddhas and power You are the holder of intellect, of understanding Of logic and Magickal Skill in our Great Work! Great Kulka Deva, called Kulika The Powerful Kaliya The sublime, The Intense, The Poisonous! Subdued by Krishna but blessed by His Footprints And so forever protected From Garuda and others You are The Naga of Justice and Right Action.

Karkotaka Naga Karkotaka is also called Karka and is one of the powerful Nagas with numerous magical powers. His parents are Sage Kashyapa and Kadru. The descendants of Karkotaka Naga are said today to be living in Rajasthan and are known as Katewa. There is a famous myth about this Naga Lord and how he interacted with one of the most venerated sages of ancient Hinduism, Narada. Karkotaka had tricked and cheated Sage Narada and the angry sage paralyzed him. In the kingdom of Nishadha, Nala was king and Damayanti was queen. Unfortunately Nala was possessed by a demon, which made him gamble away his kingdom. Nala went to the forest where he encountered the paralyzed Karkotaka and rescued him from a fire, thus lifting the curse. In payment, the Naga bit Nala, but rather than killing him, it only killed the demon inside and left him blue and impervious to serpent toxin. Karkotaka then helped Nala to recover his kingdom. In this way he was forgiven by Narada and from that time on was venerated as a Naga Lord and protector. This story is mentioned in the Mahabharata. Karka is also mentioned as the Naga that united all the tribes of Nagas that follow and welcomed the arising of the Adi Naga, Sesha, emerging from the great ocean. As such he can be seen as a Naga famous for uniting Naga tribes and is a loyal and fierce friend. He, too, is associated with healing and healing herbs and is described as ‘tufted’ with blue skin, though the traditional image of his appearance has him as black. He is said to be the great guardian of Nepal, and lives under a lake in that kingdom even today. He is also said to rule a place of his own, either in his own rich underworld kingdom or in Bhogavati. Traditional appearance when invoked: Karkotaka Naga appears as a large black (or dark blue, see above) Naga with three white stripes (vertically) on his hood. What follows are parts of an original invocation generated by Sadhana that gives a number of key mythological aspects of this Naga. The full invocation will be found as part of the final Grand Naga Puja. Karkotaka Naga! Great Lord of The Healing Herbs Tufted Serpent of Power And Joy With brilliant blue skin, You wait upon the great Bala Deva and head a host of Nagas You brought the tribes of Naga together To honor the Adi Naga Sesha As Anata arose from the great primal ocean After the work of creation had unfolded Honored and praised by the three great Naga Lords The mate of Lalitaditya Founder of a royal house And the savior of king Nala You have brought your powers and wisdom Into the human race You are Lord Naga of Nepal The one who remained After other Naga had been washed away And now are illustrious Lord of Ta-dah lake You rule a delightful land under the waters With golden walls and windows of diamond The beams are sapphire and the pillars topaz Studded with rubies!

Sankapala Naga Sankapala Naga, also called Sankhapala, Shankapala or Shankhapal, is a powerful Naga about which little is known. He is associated with Shankhadra Lake (in current Pakistan) and was/is presumably the Naga deity of that lake, a common situation in that many lesser Naga Lords were associated with specific lakes or springs originally. He was persecuted and went through horrendous personal trials, losing his family and even his tribe and home, but emerged a great Naga representing forbearance, patience and equanimity. He is known to be friendly towards men, and grants wealth, fertility and healing if approached appropriately. He is known as the Naga King who brings the Naga tribes together in festivals, and is even today worshipped in Varanasi, the sacred city of Kashi, sacred to Shiva. Traditional appearance when invoked: Sankapala Naga appears as a rich yellow Naga with a white streak vertically on his hood. What follows are parts of an original invocation generated by Sadhana that gives a number of key mythological aspects of this Naga. The full invocation will be found as part of the final Grand Naga Puja. Sankapala Naga! Naga of shining Sun-like Form, glowing yellow Nagaji of success and shining victory You who are the Naga of good auguries Shankapala, you are a King of Naga tribes You are the supreme symbol of forbearance And the wisdom born of experience and trial You arise from the waters of magickal Shankhadra You offer blessings, fertility and healing You are a Great Nagaji of Purification You bring the tribes of Nagas together in festival Honored even in sacred Varanasi Home of Lord Shiva!

Mahapadma Naga Like Padmaka Naga, very little is said about Mahapadma Naga in texts, histories or holy books. This Naga is described as feminine, white-skinned (or gold), arises from a lotus-lake (identified as Vular lake in Kashmir, one of the largest freshwater lakes in Asia), and is seen as a beneficent Naga spirit. Mahapadma (meaning Great Lotus) is said to be one of the Nagas (or the chief Naga) pulling the chariot of the sun God, Surya, across the sky every day. This may reflect in the Naga being seen as ‘golden.’ A tale is told about her from long ago. Held in bondage by an evil sorcerer, she appeared to a wise King in dream and offered great wealth if he rescued her, which he did. For this kindness, the Naga Mahapadma returned to her lake, revived the fertility of the land, and communicated to the king in dream where great wealth could be mined from the earth. Associated with the Trishul or trident of Shiva, Mahapadma may be seen as associated with the primordial Shiva/Shakti cult, possibly representing Kundalini or Lalita Devi. As with Padma, the term Mahapadma (Great Lotus) is used often for Lakshmi Devi and other Goddesses of fertility, wealth and protection. Traditional appearance when invoked: Mahapadma Naga appears as a gently glowing white Naga with a trident mark on the forehead. What follows are parts of an original invocation generated by Sadhana that gives a number of key mythological aspects of this Naga. The full invocation will be found as part of the final Grand Naga Puja. Mahapadma Naga! Great Naga of gold and wealth Fertility, help and guidance Arising from sacred Vular lake From which the sacred Mahapadmasaras river flows A glorious lake covered with blooming lotuses O Great golden-skinned serpent You who help to pull the Sun Chariot of Surya Across the sky, bring your sunlight to us! You granted the hidden wealth To one who helped you escape sorcery Great Nagamata—Blessing to you.

Kundalini Devi: The Great Naga There are two manifestations of the supreme Red Goddess who is the central Naga of Energy and Power, who unites all the Naga Lords, who they honor and obey, who is the outward power of the perfected soul called MahaNaga. This Naga Goddess is also known as Tripurasundhari or Lalita in the specific form of a Serpent Power. This Greatest Naga Power has many names. One is the Goddess Manasa, the Goddess or Queen of Serpents, who began as a very ancient snake goddess and whose worship spread from a regional aspect to one honored in many parts of India (although mostly worshipped as a full Goddess in Eastern India). She is worshipped at shrines—often in front of trees in villages—during the monsoon when serpents flee the flooding of their holes and become a nuisance, at times a deadly one. Manasa is a folk goddess, not really referenced in scriptures, and her cult idols are often just a pot and clay serpent-image. When fully depicted, she is often shown with a seven-headed serpent (Naga) rising behind her and hooding her, a serpent at her feet and dressed, of course, in flowing red robes. In several places she is mentioned as ‘queen of the Naga.’ Here is a quote giving a simple history of her worship. In a variant myth, Shiva (!) is her father. In most ancient Hindu religious texts Manasa is said to be the daughter of Kashyapa, a famous sage, and Kadru, the sister of the serpent-king Sesha. Unlike her uncle, Manasa is still actively worshipped as a goddess who protects and saves humans from snakebites. Her cult is most prevalent in Bengal where she is ceremoniously worshipped in temples. She is also attributed with the powers of curing infectious diseases like smallpox, and of bringing wealth and prosperity. At the onset of the rainy season, when the snakes are most active, she is ritually invoked with sacrifices and offerings. She is probably a pre-Aryan goddess… — Encyclopedia Mythica Manasa is also seen as one image of the Goddess Tripurasundari or Lalita. Another name for this primordial Shakti Goddess is Kundalini Devi or Kundalini Naga. Have these Red Serpent Goddess aspects been conflated? Most likely, but within the magickal realm of Tantra, within the sacred visionary realm of Bhogavati, this seems both right and proper. In Tantra, as in Hinduism, There is One Great Goddess with many names and faces, and there is One Great God with many names and faces. We call them Shakti and Shiva. They are both aspects of each other, and all are mere reflections of OM. So, as we delve deeper into the mystery of the Naga, Tantrikas, Hindu scholars and devotees bring the threads together rather than parsing aspects. This tendency to syncretize and unite aspects is at the core of Tantra. OM is all; there are two aspects: Energy and Matter, Light and Dark, Yin and Yang, Shiva and Shakti. But the Naga cult is clearly focused on the Great Mother in many ways as a unifying centerpoint, even revealing this Gnosis in the image of the Great Red Mother adorned with the eight Naga Lords. Hidden in the wisdom of the Tantrarajatantra and other Tantras, (many translated and clarified by Gurudev Lokanath), the Eight Great Naga are encoded into one Nitya (manifestation) of the Great Red Goddess Lalita (or Tripurasundhari.) Amongst all the Lalita Nityas/Goddesses, each of who encode wisdom of the Shri Yantra (Shri Vidya) there is one who is of special Naga-interest: Tvarita Devi, the Nitya overseeing the eight petals of the Yantra. Unlike all the other Nityas, the Eight Naga Lords appear as ornaments on her superb, shining, naked body. Not only do they appear, they are named directly within the text with the names I have listed as the Eight Naga Lords. No other Nitya has any specific Naga-related information attached to them like this. I believe this is a bit of gnosis absorbed into this ancient text, a part of oral ritual tradition absorbed into larger traditions, as is often the case in Tantra. This sort of syncretism reveals a truth about the Naga that other sources of research confirmed: that is, the Great Mother (The Red Goddess referred to by many names) is the most ancient lynchpin of the Naga, that the deep and prehistoric roots of the Naga entwine with that of the Great Goddess; she is their real Mother and Origin, and so She is enthroned within the center of their Circle. It is She, in fact, who empowers and energizes the Naga on a pervasive and cosmic level. Here is a quote from this textural melding provided by Lokanath. I have emphasized the most pertinent parts: Tvarita is the ninth Nitya (Eternity) in the cycle. Also called Totala Devi. She is called Tvarita (‘Swift’) as She grants fruit to the Sadhaka quickly. She is of auspicious form, in the first flush of youth, and dark in color. She has 3 eyes and 4 hands and Her beautiful lotus-like face smiles gently. She is clad in new leaves. She is adorned with 8 fierce and great serpents of 4 kinds, and with waist chains and anklets. On Her head is a crystal crown with a crest of peacock feathers. Her arms are adorned with bangles made of beautiful peacock feathers. She has an umbrella and a banner made of peacock feathers. She wears strings of (red) gunja berries around Her throat, and Her breasts are smeared with red sandal and kumkum. She holds noose, goad, dispels fear, and grants boons. In front of this Goddess is a black servant carrying a mace, who is worshipped for the attainment of the desired fruit. On either side of Her are Her two Shaktis Jaya (Conquering) and Vijaya (Victorious) who are like Her and who carry and swing gold canes. The 8 Serpents are: Ananta & Kulika, fiery in colour, each with 1000 hoods, Her ear ornaments. Vasuki & Shankhapala, yellow in colour, each with 700 hoods, Her upper arm bangles. Takshaka & Mahapadma, blue in colour, each with 500 hoods, Her girdle. Padma & Kartataka, white, each with 300 hoods, Her toe

Her Shaktis are Humkari, Khechari, Chandi, Chedini, Kahepani, Strikari, Dumkari, Kahemakari—these are similar to the Lokapalas, and the Shaktis in the 8 petals of the yantra. Her mantra is Om Hrim Hum Khe Ca Che Ksah Strim Hum Kse Hrim Phat. — Translated/Compiled by Shri Lokanath, based on several Tantras including the Tantrarajatantra Tvarita Devi is just one aspect of the Goddess, one of the 15 Nityas (aspects) of Lalita Devi, but in this way she can be seen as a mask of The Red Goddess, Shakti or Kundalini or Manasa as uniting and commanding or manifesting the eight Naga Lords in her person. Let us now look directly at Kundalini Nagini and her manifestation. Traditional appearance when invoked: Kundalini Devi often appears as a large serpent of fiery aspect, red colored, always shifting and moving as flame. The serpent is normally curled into a spiral at the base of the spine or seen rising up through the body as a large, undulating serpent or dragon power. She is depicted often in Tantric literature and art and there are many hymns sung to her. She is ‘god manifest’ through the temple of the body (the Shri Yantra) and the ultimate realization of full-body-consciousness. This Red Goddess also appears as the most beautiful Goddess imaginable, scarlet of skin, young, very nubile and glowing in sensuous power. She is seen surrounded by flowers and a variety of magical implements, with a smile on her face. She sits upon a lotus and/or upon the pinnacle of The Shri Yantra (Mount Meru). As such she is known as Tripurasundhari (the thrice beautiful) and Lalita (the playful Goddess) as well as Shri (blessed, honored, great) and her wisdom is encoded in the powerful Tantric teachings called Shri Vidya. Earlier the terms Maha Naga (Atman, soul or Bindu) was referenced as the inner aspect of the outer energetic aspect of Kundalini Devi or Lalita. While this may seem contradictory, it is in fact at the core of Tantra. In Tantra, Shiva is Shava (dead) without Shakti and, in fact, the two are one. In other words, Naga & Nagi, Yin & Yang, Shiva & Shakti are two aspects of one essence. This Pure Essence or power is referred to as OM. It is the origin and being of all things, as are we. Thus the Center of our Naga Lord Circle manifests as the Inner Illuminated Essence of the Sadhaka, Maha Naga (the Atman, Shiva) and as the Outer Illuminated Essence of the Sadhaka, Kundalini Devi or Lalita, (Shakti). As hard to grasp as this may be, they are in fact ONE and the most primal image of this united duality is the Serpent. In that Maha Naga is the still, coiled, hidden Serpent Power, the unmovable center point of every circle and Yantra (Bindu, Shiva) here we call upon this power as the extended or striking Serpent Power; The Naga called here Kundalini Naga. What follows are parts of an original invocation generated by Sadhana that gives a number of key mythological aspects of this Naga. The full invocation will be found as part of the final Grand Naga Puja. Maha Kundalini Devi! I call you forth From the Hidden coiled center of Maha Naga As the intimate sparks residing in all life Now—Swirling, uniting, rising A spiral helix whirlwind of life-fire light-power! Up! Up! Fill me now with your serpentine joy! Shak-ti Ma! Arise O mother of all serpent Devas! I call you as Manasa Devi; shadow sorceress Of power and poisons Of deep magicks and Naga craft! I call you as Tripurasundhari! Devi of light and erotic play, Lalita of sinuous joy and Lila-dance power! Arise as Ida and Pingala united As the glowing serpent Shushuma Devi Striking at the star above! You are the one serpent of all flashing colors Arising from the primal watery depths Your eyes are the sun and moon The cosmic fire jewel your third eye shining forth The Mani-stone, all wishes fulfilling! You are the glorious star—Shakti Of uncoiling awakening galaxy Flashing Vajra diamond gem bearer of all magicks and desires You are my circle and my center The cosmic wheel and axle You encircle, ensorcel and enflame this dragon seat here now

You form the Zonule of Vidya gnosis about my being! Great Shakti Ma! Ground my working in the coils of life Protect and empower this rite Arise in glory and perfection For the illumination of all beings and places! Na-mas-te Shak-ti Ma! Om Shan-ti Shi-va Na-ga Ra-ja Shak-ti Na-gi-ni! Om Hrim Kun-da-li-ni De-vi Sva-ha! Om Ma-ha Tri-pu-ra-sun-dar-ya Na-mah!