Mucilinda

Mucilinda is a Nāga, a serpent-like being, who protected the Buddha from the elements shortly after his enlightenment. According to Buddhist legend, after Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment and became the Buddha, he sat in meditation for seven days under a tree. A great storm arose, and Mucilinda, king of the Nāgas, emerged from his dwelling and wrapped his coils seven times around the Buddha's body to protect him from the rain and cold. He then spread his large hood over the Buddha's head to shield him. When the storm subsided, Mucilinda transformed himself into a young man and paid homage to the Buddha.

This event is a popular subject in Buddhist art, particularly in Southeast Asia, where depictions of the Buddha seated in meditation under the protection of Mucilinda are common. The story symbolizes the Buddha's mastery over the forces of nature and his transcendence of earthly suffering. Mucilinda's protection is also interpreted as representing the support and protection offered by the Dharma (Buddhist teachings) to those who seek enlightenment. The story reinforces the importance of meditation and the power of inner peace in the face of adversity.