Apalala, the Water Dragon of #Gandhara who lived during the time of Buddha was intially saviour of Swat valley but laterly became sign of destruction for his own people.
According to the legend originally he was born as a man named Gangi along the banks of Suvastu/Swat River.
He used subtle charms to restrain the power of the wicked dragons in the region so that they could not afflict the crops with violent storms. The people of his land were grateful for his protection because now their crops were healthy, abundant and save from evil dragons.
Because of his protection for villagers and their crops, people started to pay him tribute by giving grains every year.
However, after many years passed, many forgot or refused to pay the tribute, and Gangi became wrathful.
Because of his anger he prayed that he might transform into a dragon to afflict them with storms and destroy their crops himself.
At the end of his life Gangi was reborn as terrifying and poisonous dragon who only knew the language of anger.
Now the Apalala was the King of Nagas, dragon-like creature with a human head, a long tail, two arms, two legs and wings.
In his new incarnation he raised hailstorms and floods so that he could feast upon the crops of the fields.
As a result, people went to Lord Buddha and asked for help. Buddha appeared in Swat with his bodhisattva Vajrapani.
Bodhisattva refers to anyone who has generated bodhicitta, a spontaneous wish and compassionate mind to attain Buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings.
Buddha challenged Apalala and after a fierce battle the water dragon was subdued.
Buddha preached him the law, and his heart became pure as his faith awakened. After his conversion the Buddha forbade him to ravage the crops.
(Buddha footprint)
He stoped tormenting the people of the valley and in return people promised him to deliever a great tribute after every 12 years to celebrate his kindness.
That is the story of King of Nagas of Gandhara.
Do share if you like it 😊
(Apalala submitting to Buddha)
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