When the Nag visits the world he leaves his home in the heart of some mountains, and creeping through sinuous passages like a snake emerges at the spring. Sometimes he comes with benevolent intent, sometimes on mischief bent, and all agree that he is powerful and to be propitiated. In all the village tales the serpent nature of Nag is prominent. When the Nag assumes the human form, he can be detected by the water that drops from his locks. If one has leisure to sit by a spring with the villagers many curious legends may be heard, often full of interest and beauty.
- Sir Water Lawerence, Indian Serpent lore of the Nagas in Hindu legend and Art,
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