Page:The Mythology of All Races Vol 6 (Indian and Iranian).djvu/238

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PLATE XVII

Vāsuki

Vāsuki, the king of the Nāgas ("Serpents"), is represented, like his subjects generally, in human form, the only trace of his original nature being his serpent crest. This fact reflects the belief that the Nāgas assume human form at will. For the true serpent shape of Vāsuki, see Fig. 2. From the temple rail at Bhārhut, Baghelkhand. After Cunningham, The Stūpa of Bharhut, Plate XXI.