About Naga Chronicles – The Serpent Prince: Trials of Patala
Naga Chronicles is the official podcast companion to “The Serpent Prince: Trials of Patala,” Book 1 of The Naga Chronicles. When Arroyo Santos turns sixteen, he discovers he is the lost prince of Patala—the underwater serpent kingdom—and must face a series of deadly trials that will decide the fate of both human and Naga realms. Rooted in Hindu mythology and inspired by the Naga legends of the Mahabharata, this YA fantasy series brings an underwater world of serpent deities, golden palaces, and ancient prophecies to life.
In this episode of The Naga Chronicles Podcast, join Srimukh Duvvuri as he unravels the fascinating challenge of building a magic system rooted in Hindu mythology. Discover how traditional concepts like tapas, mantras, and the divine architect Vishvakarma shape the powers in his novel, The Serpent Prince. Tune in to explore how ancient wisdom can transform into a captivating fantasy experience for modern readers.
28 Apr 2026
Mucalinda: The Naga Who Sheltered the Buddha
In this captivating episode of The Naga Chronicles, Srimukh Duvvuri unveils the poignant tale of Mucalinda, the Naga king who sheltered the Buddha during a fierce storm. Journey with us as we explore the profound connections between Nagas and enlightenment, revealing how these mythical beings transcend cultural boundaries. Discover why Mucalinda's silent guardianship represents the essence of protection and devotion in both mythology and life.
22 Apr 2026
Astika: The Boy Who Stopped a Genocide
In this riveting episode of The Naga Chronicles Podcast, discover the story of Astika, the young hero who defied the odds to save the Nagas from annihilation during Janamejaya's devastating Sarpa Satra. With nothing but his voice and the weight of prophecy, Astika navigates the tension between his dual heritage to confront the king and halt an impending genocide. Join Srimukh Duvvuri as he explores themes of identity, power, and the impact of one courageous stand.
14 Apr 2026
What Readers Get Wrong About Hindu Mythology in Fantasy
In this episode, Srimukh Duvvuri tackles common misconceptions about Hindu mythology that often arise in fantasy literature. From the true nature of Patala to the complex identities of Nagas, he sheds light on how Western expectations can misinterpret these vibrant traditions. Join him as he explores the intricacies of storytelling rooted in a living mythology, revealing why understanding these nuances enriches your reading experience.
7 Apr 2026
Ulupi and Arjuna: When Two Worlds Collide
In this episode of The Naga Chronicles Podcast, Srimukh Duvvuri dives into the fascinating and underrated marriage of Ulupi, a Naga princess, and Arjuna, the exiled human warrior of the Mahabharata. Discover how their union weaves connections between two worlds and gives rise to Iravan, a warrior sacrificed for his family. Join us as we explore not just a love story, but the powerful implications of their entangled fates in mythology.
31 Mar 2026
Manasa Devi: The Naga Goddess
Join Srimukh Duvvuri as he unravels the captivating tale of Manasa Devi, the Naga goddess who demands recognition and respect in a world often overshadowed by more prominent deities. Explore the depth of her character, her fierce protective nature, and the rich tapestry of Bengali Hindu tradition that celebrates her. Discover how her story intertwines with life, death, and the relentless quest for acknowledgment.
24 Mar 2026
Writing Morally Gray Characters from Mythology
In this thought-provoking episode, Srimukh Duvvuri dives into the complexity of morally gray characters in mythology, with a special focus on the Mahabharata. Discover how iconic figures like the Pandavas and Kauravas challenge traditional notions of heroism and villainy, and learn how these tensions shape the character dynamics in The Serpent Prince. Join him as he explores the importance of ethical ambiguity for young readers navigating a complex world.
17 Mar 2026
Kaliya: The Serpent Krishna Danced On
In this episode of The Naga Chronicles, we dive into the captivating tale of Kaliya, the serpent Krishna famously danced upon. Beyond the spectacle lies a story of displacement, mercy, and the true nature of heroism. Discover how Krishna's grace transformed a moment of danger into beauty, reshaping not only Kaliya's fate but our understanding of monstrous versus victim. Tune in to explore the depths of this iconic myth and its resonance in modern storytelling.
11 Mar 2026
Takshaka: Villain or Justified?
In this gripping episode of The Naga Chronicles Podcast, Srimukh Duvvuri delves into the complex tale of Takshaka, the Naga king whose fury reshaped destinies. Was he a villain, or did his actions rise from deep-seated grievances against humanity? Explore the consequences of Parikshit's actions and how one man's arrogance ignited a cycle of violence. Join us as we uncover the layers of righteousness and retribution woven into this mythological epic.
3 Mar 2026
How I Researched Naga Loka for The Serpent Prince
In this episode of The Naga Chronicles Podcast, join Srimukh Duvvuri as he unravels the fascinating research behind the world of The Serpent Prince. Discover how ancient texts from the Mahabharata and Purana shaped the underwater realm of Naga Loka, and hear about the challenges of translating mythology into a vibrant YA fantasy. Whether you're a budding writer or a mythology enthusiast, this episode is packed with insights to inspire your creative journey.
25 Feb 2026
Vasuki: The King Who Became the Rope
In this episode of The Naga Chronicles Podcast, dive into the compelling tale of Vasuki, the king of the Nagas, who became the very rope that churned the cosmic ocean. Experience his harrowing sacrifice as he endures unimaginable pain to facilitate the creation of treasures and the nectar of immortality, only to be overlooked in the end. Discover the nuances of being essential yet unvalued, and learn how Vasuki's legacy resonates through the ages.
17 Feb 2026
Adi Shesha: The Infinite Serpent
In this episode of The Naga Chronicles Podcast, join Srimukh Duvvuri as he unravels the timeless tale of Adi Shesha, the infinite serpent who embodies loyalty, service, and the very foundation of the cosmos. Discover how Shesha's selfless devotion contrasts with the ambitions of his brothers and learn why his enduring presence is essential to the balance of the universe. Prepare for a deep dive into the power of humility and the beauty of unwavering support.
9 Feb 2026
My Publishing Journey: Lessons Learned
Writing a book is art. Publishing it is a business. In this episode, Srimukh shares the hard-won lessons from bringing The Serpent Prince to life — from rewriting the opening chapter seven times, to building a reader community before launch day, to why your cover matters more than you think. He wraps up with the most important lesson of all: write the book you need to exist. Plus, a sneak peek at what's coming in Book 2 of The Naga Chronicles.
8 Feb 2026
Nagas in Hindu Mythology: A Primer
How much of The Serpent Prince is based on real mythology? More than you think. In this deep dive, Srimukh breaks down the Nagas of Hindu tradition — from Adi-Shesha, the cosmic serpent supporting the universe, to Vasuki's sacrifice during the churning of the ocean, to the fierce Takshaka whose conflicts drive the Mahabharata. He traces the Kashyapa bloodline, explores the sacred texts (Mahabharata, Puranas, Vedas), and reveals how figures like Manasa Devi, Karkotaka, and the divine architect Vishvakarma shaped the world of the book.
8 Feb 2026
Why I Wrote The Serpent Prince
What happens when the stories your grandparents told you become a novel? In this episode, Srimukh Duvvuri shares the childhood obsession with the Mahabharata that sparked The Serpent Prince — and why he chose to tell the story from the Naga perspective. He talks about creating Arroyo Bhima Santos, writing the YA fantasy he wished existed at twelve, and why Hindu mythology deserves the same spotlight as Greek and Norse lore.
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