Data Naga

The word "naga" means "snake" in Sanskrit. Snakes figure strongly in Hindu mythology, being worshipped second only to cows. From the web page Thailand: Legends & Sculptures:

"In a long and involved legend, the Naga becomes closely involved with the Garuda (a great winged creature) who is forced by the Naga King to procure holy water (Amarit) from heaven. Garuda eventually manages to do this and returns to give the snake the water and thereby obtain the freedom of his mother (previously captured by the devious Naga and held prisoner). Seeing all this, Vishnu rewards him by granting his wishes and using the Garuda as his carriage (hence the name given to the national airline of Indonesia). Unluckily for the Nagas, the Garuda becomes immortal and they become his food."

Nagas are also seen as mythological serpent-genies in Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist myth. The Nagas are water gods, generally friendly in disposition, and are depicted as large snakes with human heads and faces. An example of their friendliness is shown in the instance of the Naga Muchalinda protecting the Buddha from the storm. These mythological Nagas are sons of Kadru, the daughter of Daksha, and inhabit subaquatic paradises, dwelling at the bottom of lakes, rivers and seas in splendid, jewel-encrusted palaces ever alive with dancing and song.