Naga

(2) In Hindu mythology, the Nagas are a
class of minor divinities who have the
form of serpents. Their king is Vasuki. In
popular Hinduism, Nagas are often considered to be the gods of a specific place.
Often associated with fertility and
fecundity, Nagas are usually believed to
live in springs, ponds, and other small
bodies of water. In Buddhist and Jain
iconography the Nagas often play the
role of minor protective deities. It is
common to see a seated figure shadowed by an “umbrella” of Nagas.
Although this is unusual in Hindu
iconography, there may be remnants
of this in the iconography of the god
Shiva, who is often depicted wearing
snakes for both his ornaments and his
sacred thread.