18 J. H. Rivett-Carnac—Zhe Snake Symbol in India. [No. 1, 
But in the temples and in the better class of shrines which abound in the 
city and the neighbourhood, the snake is generally found encircling the 
phallus in the manner shewn in Plate VI, fig. 8. 
The tail of the snake is sometimes carried down the yoni, and in one 
ease I found two snakes on a shrine in the manner figured in Plate VI, fig. 
5, 6. 
In the Benares bazar I once came across a splendid metal cobra, the 
head erect and hood expanded, so made as to be placed around and above a 
stone or metal “ Mahddeo.” It is now in England. The attitude of the 
cobra when excited and the expansion of the head will suggest the reason 
for this snake representing Mahadeo and the phallus. 
In several instances in Benares, I have found the Nag surrounding 
and surmounting the hump of the “ Nandi” or Siva’s Bull. In such eases 
the hump is apparently recognised as a Mahadeo, as the remains of flowers, 
libations and other offerings were found thereon. 
I hardly venture to suggest that the existence of the hump is the 
reason for the Nandi being selected as the Vahan or “vehicle” of Siva. 
But the circumstance may be worth noticing, Iam of course aware that 
the Bull is a symbol of generation and reproduction, traceable to its position 
in the Zodiac at the Vernal Equinox. But it may have been recognised as 
Siva’s Vahan, long before the honor was assigned to it of introducing it 
into the Equinox. And its position with regard to Siva may have secured 
for it this important place in the signs of the Zodiac. 
The snake in conjunction with Mahddeo is further to be traced in 
several of the metal specimens of the collection now forwarded for the 
inspection of the Society. In two small shrines, containing “ Ganas” or 
assemblages of deities, of which the Mahadeo or Linga is the centre, the 
NAg or cobra can be seen to hold the chief position at the back of the shrine. 
In a remarkable bracelet purchased in Benares, consisting of a mass of Maha- 
deos and yonis, many of which are arranged in circles like cromlechs, the 
serpent can be traced encircling the phallus. It is again to be seen forming 
the handle of a spoon and surmounting the figure of Ganesha, Siva’s son, 
wherewith holy Ganges-water is taken from the cup, and sprinkled ever 
the Mahadeo by pilgrims and worshippers at the shrines of Benares and 
other Siva temples. It is seen again in the sacrificial lamp, used in the 
same worship. In the centre of the lamp is a space for a small “ Mahadeo,”’ 
an agate in the shape of an egg, brought, it is said, from Banda and the 
hilly country of the Nerbudda, rich in these pebbles, which are imported 
annually in large quantities into Benares. And the snake-canopy can be 
recognised again forming the back-ground of the shrine of the figure of 
Anna-Purna Devi, a form of Siva’s sakti Parvati. The snake is present 
