Do cobras really have 'Nagmanis'? The truth behind the snake pearl myth
Have you ever come across the term "Snake Pearl" or "Nagamani" and wondered if such a mystical object could truly exist? Rooted in centuries of folklore, especially in South Asia, Nagamani has long captivated believers and skeptics alike.
Said to be a rare, glowing gem found in the heads of cobras, this legendary object is often associated with divine power, protection, and fortune. Despite its presence in myths, movies, and spiritual beliefs, scientific investigations tell a very different story. Explore the origins, alleged powers, and controversies surrounding the mythical Nagamani.
What is a Nagamani or snake pearl
The term Nagamani comes from Sanskrit — where "Naga" means snake and "Mani" means gem or jewel.
According to traditional beliefs, this mystical pearl is said to form inside the head of venomous snakes, most commonly cobras. Legends claim it glows in the dark and bestows immense spiritual and material power to its possessor, including protection from evil, healing powers, and incredible luck.
Do cobras really have Nagmanis
According to Geology In, the idea that cobras possess a glowing gem called Nagamani in their heads has long fascinated believers across India and Southeast Asia.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
요즘 SNS에서 핫한 그 반지, 기부로 받을 수 있다고?
굿네이버스
더 알아보기
Undo
However, modern science firmly rejects this claim. Biologically, cobras do not have the anatomical ability to form pearls—unlike mollusks. Scientific analyses of so-called "snake pearls" reveal they are often gallstones or mineral concretions, not true gemstones.
These formations may occur inside snake bodies, but they lack any supernatural properties. The enduring myth of Nagamani stems more from cultural symbolism and folklore than scientific fact, illustrating humanity's deep desire to assign mystery and meaning to nature's creatures.
Mythology behind Nagamani or snake pearl
In Hindu mythology and regional folklore, snakes are not just reptiles — they're divine beings. Nagas are often worshipped and believed to hold secrets of the universe. The Nagamani is said to be a jewel they guard or possess. Stories often describe snake charmers or ascetics receiving the Nagamani as a reward from a mystical serpent for their devotion. It is also portrayed in temples, mythological texts, and even Bollywood films as a divine, glowing gem of untold power.
Why do people believe in Nagamani
Spiritual significance: In many cultures, snakes symbolize protection, wisdom, and hidden power.
Media influence: Films and TV shows like Naagin have sensationalized Nagamani legends.
Oral traditions: The myth is passed down through generations, especially in rural India and Southeast Asia.
Symbolism: It serves as a metaphor for hidden strength and the supernatural.
Snake Pearls are believed to:
Glow in the dark
Detect poison
Change colour with mood or danger
Heal physical or spiritual ailments
Attract wealth or good fortune
Some even claim that possession of a Nagamani can make someone immortal or allow communication with divine beings.
Why modern science debunks the myth of Nagamani
Modern herpetologists and gemologists agree on one thing — no biological process supports the existence of a pearl inside a snake's head. Snakes do not have the anatomy to produce pearls, unlike mollusks. Some so-called 'snake pearls' examined by scientists have turned out to be gallstones or mineral concretions (similar to kidney stones).
These may form naturally around debris inside a snake's body but hold no magical properties.
A few specimens presented as 'Nagamani' have been analyzed and found to consist of a mix of organic material, calcium, and protein, but none qualify as gems or pearls under scientific standards.
The myth of Nagamani holds power beyond science
While the physical existence of Nagamani is highly questionable, its cultural power is undeniable. It serves as a symbol of:
Hidden strength or divine reward
The mystique of nature and the animal world
Human fascination with the unknown
In this way, Nagamani behaves more like a mythical talisman than a geological object — powerful not because it exists, but because it has been believed in for centuries. Despite countless stories and portrayals, there is no scientific evidence supporting the existence of the Nagamani. It is most likely a product of folklore, symbolism, and cultural storytelling — possibly originating from rare stones found in snake carcasses and misidentified as mystical objects.
Also Read |
Simpsons prediction of Labubu doll goes viral: Video sparks fear about creepy toy's dark origins
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Int'l genetic study predicts childhood obesity risk using Indian data
Cleared: dk Hyderabad: In a major study, an international team of over 600 scientists from 500 institutions developed a genetic test — polygenic risk score (PRS) — which can predict adult obesity as early as age five. The study analysed data from over five million (50 lakh) individuals worldwide, with significant representation from India. Scientists from city-based Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) played a key role in characterising the genomes of Indian individuals, including those monitored for diabetes over the long term. The south Asian data shaped PRS, making the findings especially relevant to the Indian context, where obesity-related disorders like diabetes and cardiovascular disease are on the rise. The tool, shown to be twice as effective as previous models, offers the potential for early lifestyle interventions in genetically high-risk children. You Can Also Check: Hyderabad AQI | Weather in Hyderabad | Bank Holidays in Hyderabad | Public Holidays in Hyderabad CCMB researchers on Tuesday said that obesity increases the risk of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, poor bone health, reproductive problems, and cancers. Scientists worldwide worked with the largest and most diverse genetic dataset ever assembled, which included genetic data from the GIANT consortium and the consumer DNA testing company 23andMe. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 15 most beautiful women in the world Undo In a statement, CCMB said: "The PRS discovery could help identify children and adolescents already at higher genetic risk of developing obesity, who could benefit from targeted preventative strategies such as lifestyle interventions at a younger age. Additionally, this score is twice as effective as the previous best test at predicting a person's risk of developing obesity." "What makes the score so powerful is its ability to predict, around the age of five, whether a child is likely to develop obesity in adulthood — well before other risk factors start to shape their weight later in childhood. Intervening at this point can have a huge impact," University of Copenhagen's NNF Center for Basic Metabolic Research (CBMR) assistant professor Roelof Smit, who is the lead author of the research published in the journal 'Nature Medicine', said. Indian Representation in the Study The pattern of obesity in India differs notably from that in Europe, with Indians tending to have more central (abdominal) obesity. Earlier studies by Dr Giriraj Ratan Chandak at CCMB showed that the genetic basis of non-communicable diseases varies significantly between Indians and Europeans. In the latest study, researchers at CCMB, led by Dr Chandak, characterised the genomes of the Indian population, including individuals with diabetes as well as those with normal blood glucose levels. These individuals were followed for nearly 20 years, providing a unique opportunity to investigate the genetic basis of obesity in Indians. Several obesity-associated genetic changes were identified and used to develop PRS for Indians, effectively creating a "virtual individual" to model obesity risk. The Indian data served as a representative subset for the South Asian population in the global study, making the findings more applicable to India and neighbouring countries. The researchers also examined the link between a person's genetic risk of obesity and the effectiveness of lifestyle-based weight-loss interventions, such as diet and exercise. They found that individuals with a higher genetic risk of obesity responded better to interventions — but also tended to regain weight more quickly once those interventions ended. The study further highlights the role of population ancestry in predicting obesity risk. Despite using a globally representative dataset, PRS performed more accurately in individuals of European ancestry than in those of other ancestries, including South Asians. Many gene variants associated with obesity in Europeans do not have the same effect in Indians, reflecting the unique pattern of obesity observed in the Indian population. "The observations made in this study are consistent with our earlier findings," Dr Chandak noted.
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
Space Force general says US can now build 'space-based' missile defense system
A top US Space Force general says the United States now possesses the technological capability to develop a space-based missile defense system , calling the long-envisioned concept "ready to be realized." General Michael Guetlein , Vice Chief of Space Operations and newly appointed head of the Golden Dome program, declared this week that every core element required to build and deploy space-based interceptors already exists. Speaking at the Innovate Space: Global Economic Summit on July 22, hosted at Amazon 's corporate headquarters, Guetlein said the US has reached a turning point. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Technology Product Management PGDM others Management Data Science MBA Artificial Intelligence Design Thinking Data Science CXO Healthcare Cybersecurity Public Policy Data Analytics Operations Management Others MCA Digital Marketing Finance Project Management Degree Leadership healthcare Skills you'll gain: Duration: 12 Weeks MIT xPRO CERT-MIT XPRO Building AI Prod India Starts on undefined Get Details 'I firmly believe that the technology we need to deliver Golden Dome exists today,' Guetlein told attendees. 'It has just never been brought to bear on this problem set to protect the homeland, nor has it been brought to bear in this form factor.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 6 Ways Retirees Can Potentially Minimize RMD Taxes SmartAsset Learn More Undo A modern answer to an old vision Golden Dome is the Trump administration's flagship missile defense initiative aimed at intercepting hypersonic, cruise, and ballistic missiles from space. Though such a system has never been deployed, the idea has historical roots: President Ronald Reagan's 1983 Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) proposed similar space-based defenses, which were criticized at the time as technologically unfeasible. Live Events Four decades later, Guetlein insists the difference is clear: the science is no longer speculative. Technological readiness vs organizational challenges While Guetlein expressed confidence in the technological readiness of Golden Dome, he also acknowledged that building the system will require a major cultural and structural shift within the US defense community. 'How do I take capabilities that were built in stovepipes for different mission areas, amongst different services and agencies, and bring those together into an integrated architecture?' he asked. He pointed to long-standing silos between military branches and defense contractors that have hindered coordination, saying that resolving these barriers is now a key priority. Guetlein drew from his experience in the Air Force to explain the shift. 'Historically, there was a reluctance to share sensitive information with commercial industry. But now, with the Space Force increasingly turning to private partners for cutting-edge capabilities, that mindset is changing.' 'Space is too big for the Space Force to go it alone,' he said. A broader shift in military strategy Guetlein's remarks align with recent statements by other Space Force leaders. General Chance Saltzman, Chief of Space Operations, told the annual Space Symposium in Colorado Springs that leveraging innovation from the private sector would be critical to US security in space. 'We must harness the benefits of technological innovation and emerging capabilities if we're going to out-compete our competitors,' Saltzman said. 'Historically, military success has hinged on support from commercial industry.'
Time of India
5 hours ago
- Time of India
Black worm disease affecting coconut plantations in Mys, Chamarajanagar districts
Mysuru: The "black worm disease" in coconut trees, also known as black-headed leaf-eating caterpillar disease, has affected growers in the twin districts of Mysuru and Chamarajanagar. This comes at a time when farmers are fetching decent prices for coconut and tender coconut crops. A large number of farmers are cultivating coconut in the twin districts, covering nearly 19,793 hectares, including 12,617 hectares in Chamarajanagar district. According to sources, about 4,679 hectares of coconut palms were affected by the disease. Farmers in Santhemarahalli, various villages of Hanur, Gundlupet taluk in Chamarajanagar district, and villages in T Narasipura, HD Kote, and Nanjangud taluks in Mysuru district were the worst sufferers. Even though the farmers are spraying pesticides and insecticides using drones, both manual and machine sprayers, the disease is not coming under control and is affecting the yield. The disease is spreading from one farm to another rapidly, even after pesticide and insecticide spraying. Scientists at Chamarajanagar Krishi Vigyan Kendra suggested that farmers adopt integrated pest management practices, including biological control and using neem-based pesticides. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like If you have a mouse, play this game for 1 minute Navy Quest Undo They said this pest is prevalent in coconut-growing areas both in coastal and inland regions of the state. Releasing beneficial insects like parasitoids, such as Goniozus nephantidis, to coconut trees can help control the caterpillar population in coconut-growing areas. Chamarajanagar deputy director of horticulture, Shivaprasad, said that the department has regularly undertaken awareness drives for coconut growers and initiated measures to control this pest. This caterpillar pest causes damage by creating silken galleries on leaves and consuming the green tissue, which reduces the tree's ability to photosynthesize. Massive infestation leads to defoliation and coconut palm death. The entire plantation looks scorched by this infestation, he said. "As agriculture and horticulture cultivation crops like coconut are the mainstay for most of the people in the twin districts, eking out a living, the govt must initiate all measures to prevent the spread of the disease," said Attahalli Devaraj, Mysuru District Farmers Federation vice-president.
