The Nāgas are definitely the followers of Virūpākṣa (Pāli: Virūpakkha), on the list of 4 Heavenly Kings who guards the western direction. They act as guards upon Mount Sumeru, safeguarding the dēvas of Trāyastriṃśa from attacks with the asuras. As historians and archaeologists uncover more details on the Naga Empire, https://128.199.208.170/