Nagraj and His Wife ( The Royal Couple : The King and Queen of the Snakes)

Nagraj and His Wife ( The Royal Couple : The King and Queen of the Snakes)

Ajanta Caves,Gupta Period, 5th Century CE

            Buddhism borrowed heavily from Hinduism. As Hinduism spread throughout India,  it assimilated the local gods and tradition. Since the snake was a threat and a boon, it was worshipped in large parts of India, specially in the South.  The King of the Snake is considered the guardian of the village. Small shrines of Nagraj are generally found outside the villages. Since the snake has the ability to shed it's skin, he also symbolises resurrection of life, or the ability to change oneself. Since it crawls on the ground, he also symbolises desire. Thus, it stands for myriad symbols.

            Here we see a pensive Nagraj sitting with his consort. The Queen is attentively looking at the Nagraj. Perhaps, the Nagraj has decided to renounce the world and is about to take refuge in the Buddha. He too seeks enlightenment and Nirvana.  It is a crucial moment when a difficult decision is to be taken. Prince Siddharth must have undergone the same anxiety when he was contemplating leaving his wife and son.

            To achieve greatness we have to sacrifice our interests. The path to Nirvana is a difficult and arduous one. Only a few can successfully complete this journey.

                     "To be or not to be, that is the question?"--to quote Hamlet.