India

By India, I am refering to the country India, not the Native Americans. These dragons include Buddhism, as Buddhism orginated in India. The most notable dragon type of India is the Naga.

• Ahi
• Ananta
• Apala
• Apalala
• Muchalinda
• Takshaka
• Footnotes

History: Ahi was a huge, greedy dragon. He drank all the waters of the world and then coiled on top of the mountains. There, the Naga held all the water, unwilling to return it to the earth, which badly needed it.

The god Indra then attack Ahi with lightning bolts. After Indra slew Ahi, the waters returned to the world.

Symbolism: Many have found the Ahi to be a symbol for drought. When the sring comes and melts the mountain's snow, the water comes down much as it does in this myth.

Physical Description: Ahi was a huge Naga, so he had the body of a serpent but the head of a human.

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History: Ananta is the thousand-headed serpent of Hindu Mythology. It created amrita, the elixir of immortality. Amrita was created by the churning of the Ocean. Vishnu, the god of life, sleeps on this creature's back as it floats through a "sea of milk". Ananta only sleeps, however, during the between the periods of creation... that is to say, when the Lord of Creation sleeps, during the night of Brahma, Brahma is reborn. In addition, Ananta spews fire to destroy of creation as a part of the cylce of creation.

Symbolism: Ananta has a sort of dual nature: it allows the god of life to sleep on its back, but it also destroys creation.

Physical Description: It is a thousand-headed serpent.

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History: Apala's power kept the other evil dragons in check so that the towns around him could prosper. In exchange for their flourishing crops, each family gave Apalala a sacrific to please him.

Over time, however, Apala was forgotten and he was angered by this. He wished to become a poisonous dragon so that he may revenge. He became the dragon of that country. To this day it is said that all the local princesses in Hindu Kush can control and influence the elements and weather, so long as the local dragon supplies.

It is said the the renownd sorceror Gangi is this dragons incarnation.

Symbolism: This story is probably told to warn people not to forget the dieties who help them.

Physical Description: Like other Naga, Apala was a serpet with two legs and the head of a human.

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History: Apalala was the guardian spirit of the sources of the river Subhavastu. Apalala converted to Buddhism and became and arhat with the help of Gautama Buddha. Other variations suggest that this dragon lived in the Swat River.³

Symbolism: The story of Apalala is told to Buddhist children so that they may learn that their happies relies on their faith.

Physical Description: Like other Naga, Apalala was a serpet with two legs and the head of a human. He did not have wings.

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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.

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.

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History: Takshaka's story can be found in the Mahabharata, which tells of a Raja named Parikshit who insults a humble monk. The father of this monk emplored Takshaka to right the wrong done unto his son.

Parikshit confidently retreated to a fortress in the middle of a lake, which he believed would keep him out of the Naga's grasps. However, a small group of monks traveled to the fortress with presents to give to its Lord. These gifts were many fruits, which Raja Parikshit gladly accepted. Upon opening the last fruit, a small, red-eyed insect appeared which transformed into Takshaka and crushed the Raja in his coils.

Symbolism: Takshaka can be seen as a symbol of righteousness. He corrected the wrongs of a powerful Lord, which shows that there was a belief that even the powerful were not above the law.

Physical Description: Takshaka is described as being a Naga King, but little description is given beyond that.

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1. Giants, Monsters & Dragons by Carol Rose
2. Giants, Monsters & Dragons by Carol Rose
3. The Serene Dragon: Nagas
4. Giants, Monsters & Dragons by Carol Rose
5. Giants, Monsters & Dragons by Carol Rose
6. Giants, Monsters & Dragons by Carol Rose

For more information, see the Bibliography