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Buddha in Meditation under a Seven-Headed Naga

7th century
Not on view
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.
This seated Buddha, deep in meditation, is protected by a seven-headed naga (snake). The Buddha is flanked by two cylindrical stupas (stupa kumbha) with multiple umbrellas, emblematic of Buddha relics. The theme of the Buddha and the naga has its origins in the Indian legend of the meditating Buddha being protected by the nagaraja (snake king) Mucalinda during a mighty rainstorm. It is likely that in Southeast Asia we are witnessing the grafting of indigenous snake-cult concepts onto a broader Indic notion of the naga as protector of the sacred.

cat. no. 111

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Buddha in Meditation under a Seven-Headed Naga
  • Date: 7th century
  • Culture: Central Thailand
  • Medium: Sandstone
  • Dimensions: H. 29 15/16 in. (76 cm); W. 26 3/8 in. (67 cm); Wt. 416 lbs. (188.7 kg)
    Tenon: H. 5 7/8 in. (15 cm)

  • Classification: Sculpture
  • Credit Line: Lent by National Museum, Bangkok (DV9)
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art