Nagas (cobras) and naginis (female cobras) as guardians

Naga couples

Cobras in art

Stone--Bas-reliefs--Galabadda--Moneragala--Sri Lanka

The nagas (cobras in human form) as guardians of Buddhist temples is a widespread phenomenon. The number of hoods demonstrates the relative status of males and females. This limestone relief sculpture on a stele from a vahalkada of the Abhayagiri stupa at Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, shows a many-hooded naga (cobra) with his female companion. Sporting a single hood, the nagini (female cobra) is relegated to a lower niche. The stone slab, carved around the 2nd century A.D., is found behind the main shrine of the Abhayagiri stupa.

Sirima Kiribamune

Abhayagiri, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

ca. 2nd century A.D.

Period of study: 1986-1987

Version: 01/12/2012

Co-Author: Seneviratna, Harsha

Technical Officer: Wijesinghe, Lalith

Technical Assistant: Jayasundare, Subhashini

Photographer: Madanayake, I.S.

International Center for Ethnic Studies, Kandy, Sri Lanka

Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation

American Institute for Sri Lankan Studies, Colombo

All rights reserved by International Center for Ethnic Studies, Sri Lanka.

Forms part of Photographic documentation of Women as depicted in early Sri Lankan sculpture and painting / Slide in present collection

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