Nagas

Worshipped in Buddhist and Hindu Asia, nagas are dragon-like serpents that are half human and half serpent living in the underworld or in waters that move through the earth and fly to the heavens. These semi-divine creatures symbolize abundance and fertility and are guardians of the earth’s waters, venerated for bestowing prosperity and fertility, healing sickness, and granting wishes. As protectors of Buddha and Buddhism they embellish architecture and furnishings in Southeast Asian temples, buildings and homes. In many Hindu myths the gods are protected by nagas.

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  • Antique Hindu Garuda Prayer Bell, India

    $245.00

    This Hindu prayer bell was likely placed on a home or temple altar and in daily puja rituals. This simple yet elegant bell has a smooth and undecorated body with only incised parallel rings circling plain surfaces and is topped by a pair of Garudas sheltered by a hood of Nagas. Garuda, the mythical winged bird that is Vishnu’s mount, and Naga, a seven-headed hooded serpent, are natural enemies and when they are represented together, they symbolizes  peace, a very appropriate adornment for the tranquility and serenity elicited by the pleasing sounds of a prayer bell.

     

     

    Martin Lerner an Steven Kossak, The Lotus Transcendent: Indian and Southeast Asian Art from the Samuel Eilenberg Collection, Harry Abrams, New York, 1991.

     

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