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Description
The snake is one of the avatars or messengers of the Japanese deity Benten, or Benzaiten. She is the daughter of a dragon king and the goddess Kishimojin, and is related to the Hindu Goddess Saraswati. As well as being the goddess of water, learning, Music, poetry, Arts, Wealth, and long life, she protects children, warriors, and against natural disasters.

In one version of this story, in the village of Koshigoe, near Kamakura, a fearsome dragon lived in a cave and would go out to devour the children of the village. The people prayed to be saved, and Benzaiten floated above the dragon's cave and caused an earthquake which raised the island of Enoshima, still sacred to her to this day. She then came down to Earth and entered the dragon's cave. The dragon wished to marry her, but Benzaiten let him know that was not possible considering his murdering ways. The dragon, influenced by her beneficent presence, was ashamed and agreed to change. She then said she would marry him.
In this scene a woman has used the smoke from incense to call for help against the dragon, and Benzaiten has manifested as one of her favorite avatars, as protective snake spirit. But I have also included her female/human form.

I am entering this in the EldritchShores Hallowe'en contest. I did this watercolor and ink painting while I was living in Japan. August is generally the time for ghost stories, because telling them gives chills that help one cool off on the hot summer nights.

August is also the time for Obon, something of a festival for the departed. At night, little candle lanterns are set afloat on the water, to guide the way for the souls who are coming back to visit.

For a great deal more about Benzaiten check www.onmarkproductions.com/html…

Description
The snake is one of the avatars or messengers of the Japanese deity Benten, or Benzaiten. She is the daughter of a dragon king and the goddess Kishimojin, and is related to the Hindu Goddess Saraswati. As well as being the goddess of water, learning, Music, poetry, Arts, Wealth, and long life, she protects children, warriors, and against natural disasters.

In one version of this story, in the village of Koshigoe, near Kamakura, a fearsome dragon lived in a cave and would go out to devour the children of the village. The people prayed to be saved, and Benzaiten floated above the dragon's cave and caused an earthquake which raised the island of Enoshima, still sacred to her to this day. She then came down to Earth and entered the dragon's cave. The dragon wished to marry her, but Benzaiten let him know that was not possible considering his murdering ways. The dragon, influenced by her beneficent presence, was ashamed and agreed to change. She then said she would marry him.
In this scene a woman has used the smoke from incense to call for help against the dragon, and Benzaiten has manifested as one of her favorite avatars, as protective snake spirit. But I have also included her female/human form.

I am entering this in the EldritchShores Hallowe'en contest. I did this watercolor and ink painting while I was living in Japan. August is generally the time for ghost stories, because telling them gives chills that help one cool off on the hot summer nights.

August is also the time for Obon, something of a festival for the departed. At night, little candle lanterns are set afloat on the water, to guide the way for the souls who are coming back to visit.

For a great deal more about Benzaiten check www.onmarkproductions.com/html…