King Nala and Naga Karkotaka

When King Nala, being possessed by an evil spirit, had abandoned Damayanti, his wife, he saw a great fire burning in the dense forest. 

There in the midst of the flames he heard the voice of some being, saying loudly again and again : " Come here, Nala, quickly ! " " Don’t get scared ! " 

With these words Nala entered into the midst of the fire and saw a Naga-king lying coiled up in the shape of an ear-ring. This Naga lifted up his folded hands and trembling he spoke to Nala : " “ 0 King, I am the Naga Karkotaka. 

This amazing story has been taken from the book - 'Indian Serpent Lore' by Arthur Probsthain