But there was no explicit reference to serpents. Instead, Vedic altars were designed like grand eagles, flying east

Illustration/Devdutt Pattanaik

The serpent is conspicuous by its absence in Harappan seals, and in Ashokan artworks. Serpent worship is not part of Vedic texts. Multi-headed hooded serpents first appear in Buddhist shrines, at Sanchi and Bharhut. They appear as adoring symbols of Buddha. Then, the serpent-gods are shown sheltering the Buddha and the Tirthankara under their hood. 

The serpent is conspicuous by its absence in Harappan seals, and in Ashokan artworks. Serpent worship is not part of Vedic texts. Multi-headed hooded serpents first appear in Buddhist shrines, at Sanchi and Bharhut. They appear as adoring symbols of Buddha. Then, the serpent-gods are shown sheltering the Buddha and the Tirthankara under their hood. 

Coiled serpents and inter-twined........

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