Introduction
Karkotaka is a Naga king, a son of Kashyapa and Kadru, best known through his role in the story of King Nala and Damayanti told in the Mahabharata's Vana Parva, one of the epic's most celebrated inset tales.
The Nagas, serpent beings and sons of Kadru, are among the most important non-human races of Hindu mythology; the major named Nagas include Shesha, Vasuki, Takshaka and Karkotaka.
Family
- Father: Kashyapa
- Mother: Kadru
- Siblings: Vishnu, Surya, Indra, Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman, Bhaga, Dhata, Amsha, Pushan, Tvashtri, Savitri, Garuda, Aruna, Hiranyaksha, Hiranyakashipu, Vasuki, Kaliya
In the story of Nala
Cursed by a sage to remain motionless as a small snake until rescued, Karkotaka was found by the exiled King Nala, who, out of compassion, carried him to safety. Karkotaka then bit Nala, an act that seemed at first a betrayal, but which the serpent explained was necessary: the bite disfigured Nala's appearance, hiding him from the demon Kali who had possessed and pursued him, and gave him time-release protection, since the demon's hold weakened as a result of the poison specifically counteracting his influence. Karkotaka told Nala the bite's pain would fade once Kali finally released him, and that his true appearance would return.
Meaning
The episode is often read as an example of help that at first appears as harm, a recurring theme in Indian storytelling, and is one of the more vivid individual portraits given to any single Naga in the epic literature.