NAAGA – Discovering The Extraordinary World of Serpent Worship By K. Hari Kumar

Who are the Naagas, the divine serpents of India’s sacred traditions?

What secrets lie within their mythical realm, Naagaloka?

What is the naagamani, and what myths surround it?

What role do serpent groves play in preserving vital ecological balance?

1. Hari Kumar combines meticulous research with vivid storytelling to uncover the cultural, spiritual, and historical significance of serpent worship in India.

From the Naagabanas and Sarpakaavus of the southwestern coast, to the East where the goddess Manasa is worshipped, to remote Himalayan peaks that echo with lore of guardian serpents, Naaga is a fascinating exploration that reveals shared truths, striking contrasts, and the unwavering reverence for these sacred beings across the subcontinent.

Embark on a journey into a world where serpents are guardians of cosmic order, protectors, adversaries and symbols of power—deities that continue to inspire awe and devotion in India’s spiritual consciousness

1. Hari Kumar, says,‘It is a tremendous honour to partner with HarperCollins India to publishNaaga. This book began as a deeply personal journey, sparked by a challenging time in my life, and intrinsically tied to the captivating sacred narratives of puranas and folklore my parents and grandparents shared with me as a child. Through Naaga, I delve into the practice of serpent worship, aiming to unveil the true essence of the Naagas and present an authentic understanding of these ancient traditions, ultimately celebrating the subcontinent’s rich and vibrant cultural heritage with the world.’

Prerna Gill, commissioning editor, HarperCollins India says, ‘K. Hari Kumar possesses a wealth of knowledge about some of the most fascinating yet lesser-known aspects of Indian Culture. Naaga brings you more than just the history and present of serpent worship in India. It’s a treasure trove of beautifully told stories from myth and folklore. It will both entertain and enlighten.’

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 Hari Kumaris an accomplished Indian author and screenwriter, known for his captivating narratives that delve deep into Indian folklore and regional mythology. With nine books to his credit, he has garnered widespread acclaim, particularly for his popular works,Daiva and India’s Most Haunted. The latter was celebrated as a must-read and earned a prestigious spot in HarperCollins India’s list of Hundred Best Books by Indian Authors.

Beyond his literary endeavours, K. Hari Kumar is also an active screenwriter and filmmaker. His novel, The Other Side of Her, was successfully adapted into the acclaimed Hindi language web series, Bhram, further showcasing his versatile storytelling prowess.

Hari is also a sought-after speaker, having been invited to prestigious events like the Bangalore Literature Festival and Times Literature Festival, and featured on popular podcasts such as The Ranveer Show. He hosts his own podcast on Indian occult, spirituality and sacred narratives, The Fourth State.

Hari’s educational background includes a B.Tech in Information Technology and a B.A. in English Literature, both pursued in Gurugram. He currently resides in Pune with his wife, where he continues to dedicate himself to his creative passions.

Naaga – Discovering the Extraordinary World of Serpent Worship is his ninth book. He can be followed @theharikumar.

Published by Harper Non-Fiction

Paperback |Non-Fiction|392 pp|INR 399

Available wherever books are sold | Releasing on 25 July 2025