The Buddha sheltered by the multi-headed, cobralike hood of a <i>naga</i>—a serpentlike creature—is a common theme in Buddhist sculpture and painting. In the tale related to the incident depicted here at Wat Chedi Chet Thaeo, the <i>naga</i> king Mucalinda protects the Buddha from a great rainstorm lasting seven days as the Buddha meditates following his enlightenment.