Nagas (sacred snakes) decoration on temple roof, Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Naga heads, Wat Sen, Luang Prabang, Laos, Indochina, Southeast Asia, Asia

Naga heads, Wat Sen, Luang Prabang, Laos, Indochina, Southeast Asia, Asia

Naga snake sculpture in Phnom Rung temple, Thailand, Southeast Asia, Asia

Seven headed Naga snake guardian, Preah Tineang Tevea Vinichhay Throne Hall in the Royal Palace, City Centre, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Indochina, Southeast Asia, Asia

Sitting Buddha with naga heads, Wat Mai Complex, Luang Prabang, Laos, Indochina, Southeast Asia, Asia

Naga heads, Wat Nong, Luang Prabang, Laos, Indochina, Southeast Asia, Asia

Guardian Naga snake and sleeping Buddha pavilion at the Wat Traeuy Kaoh temple on Fish Island across the river, Kampot, Cambodia, Indochina, Southeast Asia, Asia

Small Garudas at the base of the Emerald Buddha temple holding a naga (mythical snake creature), Bangkok, Thailand, Southeast Asia, Asia

Naga (sacred snake), on chapel's front porch, Wat Chedi Luang, Chiang Mai, Thailand, Southeast Asia, Asia

a Naga head, representing a snake, Cambodia

Main door of Wat Chedi Luang temple, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Main door of Wat Chedi Luang temple, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Detail of naga staircase, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Temple of Chiang Mai, Thailand

Naga staircase, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Temple of Chiang Mai, Thailand

Figurehead of barge, Royal Barges National Museum, Thonburi, Bangkok, Thailand

End of Naga Balustrade Gopuram, Angkor Thom, Angkor Wat, Unesco World Cultural Heritage, Angkor, Cambodia

Buddha meditating under the protection of a seven-headed Naga snake, Wat Pho, Bangkok, Thailand, Asia

Naga, multi-headed snake creature, Bakong Temple Roluos Group, Siem Reap, Cambodia, Southeast Asia, Asia

Naga is the Sanskrit and Pali word for a deity or class of entity or being, taking the form of a very large snake, found in Hinduism and Buddhism. In India, nagas are considered nature spirits and the protectors of springs, wells and rivers. They bring rain, and thus fertility, but are also thought to bring disasters such as floods and drought. According to traditions nagas are only malevolent to humans when they have been mistreated. They are susceptible to mankind's disrespectful actions in relation to the environment. They are also associated with waters &33; rivers, lakes, seas, and wells &33; and are generally regarded as guardians of treasure.They are objects of great reverence in some parts of southern India where it is believe that they bring fertility and prosperity to their venerators. Expensive and grand rituals are conducted in their honour.