Hand Carved Gold Plated Copper Alloy and Lapis 9.5" Nag Kanya Statue

Nag Kanya Statue

 Nag Kanya – The Guardian Goddess of the Three Realms

Nag Kanya — also known as Naga Kanya or Naag Kanya — a snake of the rainbow, daughter of the serpent, guardian of treasures, and benevolent goddess of the three realms. In Hindu mythology, Nags are serpentine spirits who reside in the underworld, protecting and offering the teachings of the Mother Goddess. They are said to guard all esoteric and mystical teachings, offering them only to those who come humbly to receive. In turn, they offer protection and gifts to the seeker.

The Nags are also known as apsaras, or elemental nymphs who preside over both the natural world as well as the unseen. They are petitioned for weather-related blessings, and it is considered highly disrespectful to pollute the environments in which they are said to live. Washing soiled clothes in a Nag–inhabited stream can result in illnesses or Nag afflictions, such as cancer and skin disease.

Amongst the snake guardian elementals, Nag Kanya is Queen. She stands out as a well-loved spiritual ally in the Eastern traditions of India, Nepal, and parts of China.

In some mythological traditions, Nag Kanya is a singular goddess. But in others, “Nag Kanya” are a full tribe of serpent faerie beings. Most stories connect Nag Kanya with Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of good fortune and abundance. Nag Kanya is also said to be a companion or ally of Vishnu — unlike the other Nags, who fear being eaten by Garuda, Vishnu’s mythical bird mount. In Buddhist traditions, Nag Kanya is regarded as a Tantric goddess and protector of Dharma.

Among devotees, Nag Kanya is said to bring enormous blessings–everything from prosperity, rain, friendship, romance, spiritual growth & enlightenment, good opportunities, generosity, protection, wisdom, and support. Their power is so great that no temple can house them—instead, they roam freely across the earth, giving their blessings wherever a humble home offering pleases them.

Gestures and Attributes

Nag Kanya is most often depicted as a woman with the lower body of a serpent, the torso of a human female, and bird wings, with hooded cobras presiding up above her crown and a conch shell in her hands. Some stories and images depict her with 5 cobras, others with 7 or 9. The number of snakes above Nag Kanya’s crown indicates one who has accessed a very high level of initiation; a fully activated Kundalini energy.

About this Statue        

This sculpture captivates with its charming portrayal of Nag Kanya. Meticulously crafted from copper alloy using the revered lost wax method and adorned with lapis and gold plating, it exudes a rich and sensuous allure. Decorated with coral stones and featuring intricate hand carvings, this masterpiece is a testament to the skill and artistry of the master artisans of the Shakya clan in Patan, Nepal. As modern heirs to a centuries-old tradition, these craftsmen continue to uphold the sacred art of fine metalworking, creating exquisite pieces for temples and monasteries around the world.