'Mucalinda'- The Serpent King

After coming across the giant Elephant from Elephanta that was shifted from the caves of Elephanta to Mumbai's Bhau Daji Lad Museum, I began exploring more of such interesting sculptures, pillars and a lot more with interesting stories behind them. Thus, I begin my series of 'From site to Museums & lot more..'. After 'Elephanta's Elephant', I came across an interesting pillar from Pauni, Maharashtra, with a much interesting tale of 'Mucalinda - The Serpent King'.

From the excavations at the town of Pauni in Maharashtra are found several relics, broken railings, sculpted fragments, and the remains of stupas. The town is said to be a centre of Buddhism from the Mauryan and Satavahana periods.

From this same site emerged a remarkable sandstone pillar, now preserved in the National Museum, New Delhi. This hand-carved yet eloquent pillar bears one of the most interesting tales from the Buddha’s life, the story of Mucalinda, the serpent king.

As Buddha sat under the Bodhi tree, in the sixth week after his enlightenment, dark clouds gathered, and a fierce storm broke over the land. Torrential rain flooded the area where he sat, yet the Enlightened One remained still calm amidst chaos. From beneath the earth rose Muchalinda, the Naga king, who encircled Buddha with his coils, lifting him above the floodwaters. With his great hood spread wide, the serpent sheltered the meditating sage from the storm. When peace returned, Mucalinda transformed into a young man, bowed in reverence before Buddha, and silently returned to his domain.

This moment of divine protection is beautifully captured on the Pauni pillar. At its centre is an empty throne, symbolising Buddha’s spiritual presence. This representation of Buddha is from the period when Buddha was worshipped in an aniconic form, a practice prevalent in early Buddhism. Wherein the teachings of Buddha were emphasized more over his physical form. Around it, a serpent winds upward, its five hoods fanned protectively above the seat. Just above, the Bodhi tree rises as a reminder of the sacred spot where enlightenment dawned.

Flanking the central scene, two graceful figures stand with folded hands in Anjali Mudra, perhaps celestial beings or devoted followers. Their attire, a pleated dhoti with delicately carved folds, speaks of the sculptor’s refined craftsmanship. They wear simple mala necklaces, kadas adorning their wrists, and long kundalas hanging from their ears. Their elaborate headdresses and crowned buns reflect the artistic style of the early Buddhist sculptural tradition. Above them arches a railing motif, suggesting that the scene unfolds within a sacred space, perhaps the prayer hall of the stupa complex itself.

The town of Pauni holds deep historical resonance. Ancient texts refer to it as Kundina, a flourishing town mentioned in the Mahabharata and even described by the Greek scholar Ptolemy in his Geography (mid-2nd century CE).

A tale, a belief carved onto the pillars, stands as a testament to how art can keep the narratives alive and transform into an exquisite piece of beauty.

Keep Reading, Keep exploring...

References: Image Source: File:Pillar with Naga Muchalinda over the throne of the Buddha. Pauni (Bhandara District). Railing pillar from Jagannath Tekri. 2nd-1st century BCE.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

The above information is derieved from several texts, papers and other references.