Kala-Nemi is the pre-Vedic spirit of the Zodiac, encircling the universe like a great serpent. Also referred to as the Rim of the Wheel of Time, Kala-Nemi's association to the zodiac is closely linked to the observation that all seasons are determined by the position of the zodiac in the skies. In the Ramayana Kala-Nemi is a Rakshasa, as well as Ravana's uncle.
In the Ramayana, Rama's brother Lakshmana is wounded, and requires a divine herb to be healed. King Ravana does not want Lord Hanuman to bring the divine herb for the wounded Lakshmana, so he orders the sorcerer Kala-Nemi to kill lord Hanuman and promises half of his kingdom to Kala-Nemi as a reward. Kala-Nemi travels to the mountain Hanuman is venturing to for the divine herbs, and under the guise of a sage, he attempts to deceive Hanuman. Hanuman sees through Kala-Nemi's deception, however, with the help of an apsara, and slays the sorcerer.