In Hinduism, dragons or dragon-like creatures are not as prevalent as they are in some other cultures, such as Chinese mythology. However, there are references to serpent-like or dragon-like beings in Hindu scriptures and mythology. Here are a few notable examples:
Vasuki: Vasuki is a serpent king or naga in Hindu scriptures.
He is often depicted as a multi-headed serpent and is known for his association
with Lord Shiva. In one famous episode, Vasuki is used as the churning rope
during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) to obtain the nectar of
immortality (amrita). This event is a significant episode in Hindu scriptures
and is mentioned in texts like the Mahabharata and the Puranas. Vasuki emitted
poison from its mouth and in some stories he has the power to emit fire.
Kaliya: Kaliya is another serpent mentioned in Hindu
mythology, particularly in the context of Lord Krishna. In the Bhagavata
Purana, there is a story of Lord Krishna subduing the venomous serpent Kaliya,
who had been poisoning the waters of the Yamuna River. Kaliya lived in Yamuna
River and is known to emit poisonous fumes from its mouth. This episode
highlights Krishna's divine powers and is a popular theme in Indian art and
folklore.
Ananta or Sesha – In Hinduism, Ananta is the thousand headed
divine serpent on whom Vishnu sleeps. He too is known to emit fire from his
mouth in some folklore stories.
Naga: Nagas are a class of serpent-like beings or deities in
Hinduism. They are often depicted with human upper bodies and snake-like lower
bodies. Some Nagas had the power to fly and change shapes. Nagas are both
revered and feared in Hindu mythology and are associated with bodies of water,
especially rivers. They are also considered protectors of certain treasures and
are believed to possess supernatural powers.
Dragon-like symbolism: While not explicitly dragons, Hindu
art and symbolism sometimes feature creatures that resemble dragons or
serpents. These representations may symbolize various aspects of Hindu
cosmology, including creation, destruction, and the eternal cycle of life. Such
imagery can be found in temples, sculptures, and other forms of art.
It's important to note that the concept of dragons in
Hinduism is not as developed or prominent as in some other cultures, such as
Chinese mythology, where dragons are central figures. In Hinduism, serpents and
dragon-like beings are more symbolic and often tied to specific narratives,
deities, or religious practices.