The Nāgas are definitely the followers of Virūpākṣa (Pāli: Virūpakkha), one of many Four Heavenly Kings who guards the western route. They act as guards upon Mount Sumeru, preserving the dēvas of Trāyastriṃśa from attacks with the asuras. This divine ideal to rule gave the kings huge energy and authority, https://128.199.208.170/