Dragons of Fame

Muchalinda / Musilinda / Mucalinda

Type/Species: Naga
Origin: Buddhist Mythology

History: Muchalinda is said to be the King of the Nagas in India. He is a gigantic cobra snake being who could transform himself into a human being if necessary. He saw that Buddha, while meditating under a Bo tree, was going to be in trouble, as a thunderstorm was about to start. So, the King of the Nagas transformed himself into a full cobra form. With this, he wrapped himself around the tree and Buddha seven times, thus giving him shelter in his time of need.¹

Symbolism: Muchalinda is seen as a protector of Buddha and someone who gives shelter.

Physical Description: In his cobra form, he was literally a gigantic cobra, but his human form was undescribed.

1. Giants, Monsters & Dragons by Carol Rose

For more information about footnotes and references, please see the bibliography.