Buddha Protected by the King of Serpents
Termatree is honored to present this handcrafted Mucalinda Buddha Statue as our Statue of the Week, a sacred artwork that beautifully represents Shakyamuni Buddha being protected by Mucalinda, the King of Serpents. This statue is inspired by the sacred Muchalinda Lake, also known as the Lotus Pond in Bodhgaya, where this meaningful story is traditionally remembered.
According to Buddhist tradition, after attaining enlightenment, Shakyamuni Buddha remained in deep meditation when a powerful storm arose. As rain and floodwaters surrounded him, Mucalinda emerged from beneath the earth, coiled his body beneath the Buddha, and spread his cobra hoods above him as a protective shelter. This statue carries that sacred moment into sculptural form, reminding practitioners that true meditation remains steady even when life is surrounded by storms.
The Story of Mucalinda Buddha
The Mucalinda Buddha image represents one of the most beloved stories connected with Buddha’s enlightenment. It shows a moment of complete calm during great natural disturbance. The storm did not break the Buddha’s meditation, and the protection offered by Mucalinda became a symbol of devotion, guardianship, and spiritual refuge.
Here, Mucalinda is not shown as a fearful serpent but as a protector. His powerful body becomes the seat, and his expanded hood becomes the shelter. Through this scene, the statue teaches that obstacles can become support when met with wisdom, faith, and inner stability.
Iconography of the Mucalinda Buddha Statue
Shakyamuni Buddha is seated in Dhyana Mudra, the meditation gesture, with both hands resting gently in his lap. His half-closed eyes and peaceful expression reflect deep concentration, inner clarity, and complete stillness.
Behind him, Mucalinda rises with a grand cobra hood, forming a protective canopy above the Buddha. The naga’s coiled body appears beneath the lotus base, symbolizing the moment when he lifted the Buddha above the rising floodwaters. The lotus base represents purity, spiritual awakening, and the calm presence that remains untouched by difficult conditions.
Inspiration Behind the Masterpiece: Muchalinda Sarovar, Bodhgaya
The inspiration behind this masterpiece comes from Muchalinda Sarovar, also known as the Lotus Pond, a sacred site located within the Mahabodhi Temple complex in Bodhgaya. In Buddhist tradition, this place is remembered as the location where Shakyamuni Buddha spent the sixth week following enlightenment in deep meditation. Today, the pond remains one of the significant contemplative spaces connected with the Buddha’s post-enlightenment journey and serves as a place of reflection for pilgrims and practitioners visiting Bodhgaya.
The composition of this statue draws inspiration from the spiritual atmosphere and sacred identity of Muchalinda Sarovar itself. The lotus base reflects the symbolism of the Lotus Pond, while the serene meditative posture and protective naga form echo the visual language long associated with this revered location. Through traditional Nepalese craftsmanship, the sculpture transforms the memory of this sacred landscape into a lasting artistic expression of stillness, protection, and uninterrupted meditation.
Image from Bodh Gaya Temple
Traditional Nepalese Craftsmanship
This one-of-a-kind statue was handcrafted in Patan, Nepal, using the traditional lost wax casting technique. It was sculpted by master sculptor Bikash Khadgi, with the finishing completed by Gyanendra Shakya. Created in 2018, every detail was carefully shaped by hand, from the Buddha’s robe and serene face to the layered naga scales and lotus base.
The statue is made with a copper body and completed with 24K fire gold plating, special acrylic paintings, and an antique finish. These finishing details enhance the depth of the serpent body, the softness of the Buddha’s form, and the sacred presence of the full composition.
Specifications of the Statue
Height: 26” (66 cm)
Base Width: 16.5” (42 cm)
Weight: 24.37 kg
Material: Copper Body, 24K Fire Gold Plated, Special Acrylic Paintings, Antique Finish
Technique: Traditional Lost Wax Casting
Origin: Patan, Nepal
Sculptor: Bikash Khadgi
Finishing: Gyanendra Shakya
Inspiration: Muchalinda Lake, Lotus Pond, Bodhgaya
Date of Creation: 2018
Why This Statue Matters:
This Mucalinda Buddha Statue is more than a sacred object; it is a visual reminder of calmness, protection, and unwavering meditation. Its importance comes from the timeless story it carries: the legend of Buddha meditating through a great storm while Mucalinda, the naga king, rose from the earth to protect him. This sacred moment has survived for thousands of years because it speaks to every generation. It reminds us that even when life brings uncertainty, fear, or difficulty, the awakened mind remains still, protected by wisdom, faith, and inner peace.
For Buddhist altars, temples, meditation rooms, and sacred art collections, this statue brings a powerful message: storms may arise around us, but true meditation teaches us to remain grounded within.
