By Jamal Shahid ISLAMABAD, Sept 14: There are floating scientific reasoning and religious explanations for the devastating floods but the department of archaeology has now dug up a mythical reason for the catastrophe.

The story may be new for some but it is one of the most popular legends in Buddhist lore and art. It is also well told in the 2nd to 4th Century AD stone relief displayed as one of the most valuable collections in the archaeological museum Taxila.

The tale of Naga Apalala, the water-dwelling dragon that lived near Swat River, is told to Buddhist children to hammer in their minds that their happiness lies in their faith.

In Buddhist mythology, Udyana, modern Swat, was famous for its water dragons.

“The relief depicts a story of one of those dragons. Naga Apalala had a subtle and powerful way to charm and keep the wicked dragons in check and protect people of the region. He prevented them from scourging the countryside with violent rainstorms,” said an official with the archaeology department, explaining the impressions on the 37x50x5 cm black schist.

Explaining the art, he narrated how Asian dragons were quite often associated with the life-giving waters.

“Thanks to the Naga Apalala this countryside prospered and the grain grew abundantly.”

As the myth goes, families offered Naga Apalala grain as gratitude. With the passage of time, the valley’s inhabitants began to forego the yearly offering. This vexed Naga who prayed to be transformed into a poisonous dragon so that he could drench the countryside in heavy rains and strong winds.

It was towards the end of Apalala’s life that he became the poisonous dragon of that country and caused the destruction all the products of the Earth, the official explained.

“Buddha then saw the calamity that had struck his people and descended upon Apalala hoping to convert the violent dragon. Buddha’s companion, Vajrapani, struck the mountain side with a thunderbolt and the terrified dragon king came forth and paid him reverence,” the official narrated the story, adding how Apalala’s faith awakened and he found contentment and Lord Buddha forthwith forbade him to injure the corps of husbandmen.

The relief depicts submission of the Naga Apalala and his spouse - the two figures with snake-hoods, seen rising from water source. Lord Buddha stands before them and his protector Vajrapani positioned above in the heavens in a posture striking Naga Apalala with a lighting bolt.

“But Apalala urged Buddha for one offering every 12 years. Could it be that people have enraged him, again?” asked the official story teller.