Ichchadhari Naag or Naagin is a mythical shape-shifting cobra in Indian folklore. In Hindi a Naag is the Male cobra and Naagin is the Female Cobra. This creature was originally a venomous cobra and after completing 100 years of their lives could take the form of any living being. Cobras that lived (continuously) for 100 years, are said to get the spiritual powers for changing its forms and preserving its poison by not biting any living being. It prefers to be in the form of a human being most of the time.[1]




Ichchadhari Naag, in snake form, possess a gem called " Naag Mani", considered much more valuable than a diamond. Legends tell of many people losing their lives through snake bite, when the snakes took revenge for stolen Mani, or if either of a pair of snakes was killed. According to legend, the snakes can be controlled using Been, the musical instrument used by snake charmers. It is believed that it is the idol of snakes, but there is no proof of this. This type of snakes will take revenge on someone who disturbs them.