Naga is the word for the Deity taking the form of a Great Snake, specifically a Cobra. The Naga that protected Buddha whilst meditating was called Mucilanda, protecting Buddha from rain and storms. It is said that in the four weeks after the Buddha started meditating the heavens darkened for seven days which is when Mucilanda emerged from the ground and protected Buddha with his hood. Naga Buddhist statues are considered one of the rarest Buddhist Artefacts as they are not as common as Shakyamuni Buddha Statues.