Photograph: the Naga Mucalinda

Sadly, I don’t know who took this photograph. I’m sure it is quite famous but it came this way via Reddit and without citation.

It caught my attention because it’s simply a fantastic photograph to use as a prop in an RPG.

The snake monster behind Buddha is a naga. It’s the king of the serpents – Mucalinda himself. As the Buddha meditated under the Bodhi tree, it began to rain and rain. Mucalinda came from the earth and used his hood to protect Buddha from the weather. At the storm’s end, Mucalinda took a human shape, bowed to Buddha and then returned to his palace.

Why are there seven heads? Good question! 10 kudos points to whoever can answer that in the comments below.