The Purana affirms that Karkotaka is one of the chief Nagas. Karkotaka is represented as a demi-god with a human face and the tail of a serpent. He resided under the earth.

Karkotaka, the Naga was rescued by Nala from a flaming bush, and in return for the service, Karkotaka promised to deliver Nala from the power of Goddess Kali. Consequently Karkotaka metamorphosed Nala into a dwarfish charioteer, but gave him a magic garment. By putting that garment Nala could return to his original form. Nala thus transformed to the short-armed Vahuka and entered the service of Rituparna, King of Ayodhya.

This article is a stub. You can enrich by adding more information to it. Send your Write Up to content@indianetzone.com