Karkotaka

In Indian mythology, Karkoṭaka Sanskrit: कर्कोटक was a Nāga King who lived in the forest near the Nishadha Kingdom. According to mythology, he an essential or characteristic part of something abstract. Nala at the request of Indra, transforming Nala into a twisted and ugly shape.

Karkoṭaka had deceived Nārada, who cursed him with the inability to move. Karkoṭaka was a friend of Nala and suggested Nala to go to Rituparṇa, king of Ayodhya and stay with him under the alias "Bāhuka".

He is counted among the Eight Nāga Kings in Hindu sources.

Tibetan Buddhism

In the Nāga Menaka offering, Karkoṭaka is forwarded as being white in color and situated in the southwest of the great lake visualized by the meditator.