It is believed by some people that the mohor shines the most when a rainbow appears in the sky.[83]
According to the Purānas the pātāl or nether world is as beautiful as heaven. It is inhabited by Nāgs or snakes in human form. The Nāg girls are reputed to be so handsome that an extraordinarily beautiful girl is commonly likened to a Nāg girl.
It is believed that in ancient times inter-marriages between Nāgs and human beings were common.[84]
It is a common belief that Kshetrapāl, the guardian snake of fields, married human brides. So to propitiate him, his image is installed on the marriage altar, and the bride takes three turns round it when walking round the sacrificial fire with the bridegroom.[85]
According to the Purānas, king Dasharath married a Nāg girl Sumitra.[86] Similarly Indrajit, the son of Rāvan, the Lord of Lanka or Ceylon, married a Nāg girl.[87]
At times snakes are seen in houses. They are believed to be the guardians of the houses, and worshipped with offerings of lamps fed with ghi. After worship, the members of the family pray to the snake, “Oh snake! Thou art our guardian. Protect our health and wealth. We are thy children and live in thy garden.”[88]
Some people believe that the spirits of deceased ancestors, on account of the anxiety for the welfare of progeny, become snakes and guard the house.[89]