Ajanta Cave 19: Naga King and Yaksas

INDIA, Maharashtra, Aurangabad

In the early common era in India, both naga kings and yaksas were considered guardian entities. They are usually situated near the entrance to caves, as is the case here.
The naga king is on the left wall of the courtyard. He wears an elaborate crown, a long string of ornaments and large earrings. His head is encircled by seven naga heads, and he is seated in a variation of the relaxation posture. One naga queen is seated on the right with her head turned slightly toward the king. She holds a lotus in her left hand and her left knee is drawn up. Another naga queen stands to the left and holds a whisk.
Large guardian yaksas are found to either side of the caitya window above the entrance to the cave. The two yaksas have sturdy bodies and exude grace and composure. They both wear headdresses, their coiling hair bundled and cascading down over their shoulders. They are adorned with long strings of ornaments, armlets, and bracelets, and stand in tribhanga pose.