M Y T H O L O G I C A L A N I M A L S A N D V E H I C L E S
Buddhist iconography includes the use of allegorical creatures such as Snow Lions, Garudas, Nagas, Dragons, Kirtimukha, Makaras, who act as temple guardians and protectors.
Snow Lions are vehicles of Bodhisattvas and other Enlightened Beings. Garudas are a symbol of protection from snake venom and from other kinds of poisoning. Nagas are serpent deities who are supplicated for their powers to control weather, rain, and the success of crops. Dragons are typically known to be associated with the heavens, and are closely connected to the powers of the Chinese emperors. Makara are mythical creatures with the body of a fish, elephant’s trunk, lion’s feet, monkey’s eyes, pig’s ears, and are also vehicles for some deities. Kirtimukha are grotesque faces used as a decorative motif surrounding a deity in temple paintings and sculpture.
