Karkotaka

Karkotaka is one of the principal Nagas, or semi-divine beings with a human face and the tail of a serpent.

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.

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