The Naga

The snake, especially the cobra, was worshiped as a nature deity in early India, and known as the naga. Females are called nagini. Nagas are associated with water, the underground, and fertility. The naga is a creature of myth and legend. In the Himalayan stories of the naga, they are often half snake and half human.

"Legend has it that nagas washed Gautama Buddha at his birth, protected him in life, and guarded his relics after death. Some believe that this refers to the term "naga" as meaning tribal or hill people, or possibly even the class of adepts or yogis that are sky-clad."

For a further exploration of Buddhism and nagas, click here:
http://www.khandro.net/mysterious_nagas_2.htm

 

Snakes were adopted into Hinduism as representations of Shiva, and into Buddhism as protectors of Buddha. They sometimes fight, and sometimes help, Vishnu and his avatars. Vishnu, in his role as creator, rests on the cosmic serpent Shesha.

This is an old Indian painting of Vishnu resting on the naga Ananta-Shesha.Lakshmi, his female companion, is massaging his feet.

 

In his Varaha incarnation, Vishnu rescues Bhu Devi from a snake demon who had taken her beneath the ocean.

This relief shows Varaha, the boar incarnation of Vishnu, rescuing the Earth Goddess Bhu Devi from the Ocean. Varaha lifts Bhu Devi on his shoulder, his foot controlling a naga, who folds his hands in submission and adoration.

 

Nagas also appear on temple platforms (naga bridges), where they portray the rainbow as a bridge between the earthly and celestial worlds. The picture below is on a ceiling.

Ceiling Medallion Durga Temple, Aihole

http://www.art-and-archaeology.com/india/aihole/dur05.html

This shows a naga issuing forth from the mouth of a makara, a sea-monster, with a crocodile body and various other fanciful parts.

www.art-and-archaeology.com

Mucalinda is the name of a protective naga.

This is a 19th century Burmese temple, Naga-Yon, dedicated to Mucalinda, who sheltered the Buddha during a storm.

www.art-and-archaeology.com

 

These are images of Mucalinda sheltering the Buddha.

www.art-and-archaeology.com

 

The serpent Shesha, on which Vishnu lies during his cosmic sleep, and the faithful Mucalinda, who shelters Gautama Buddha during a storm, are often represented in art.

 

The following link is to a story of the Naga king receiving a sign of the Buddha's enlightenment.   http://www.mahidol.ac.th/budsir/E_hist23.htm

 

Naga and Nagini sculptures from Belur