These snake ladies are symbolic of the cult of Shiva, a primary Hindu god who is typically represented with a snake. This photo was taken by the host at Great Living Chola Temples in southern Tamil Nadu (
a UNESCO World Heritage Site). These three temples were built in the 11th to 12th centuries and dedicated to Shiva. They are distinguished from many other millennia-old religious sites because have been continuously used since their completion, hence the name "Living Temples." They are characterized by tall stone towers with intricately carved religious figures covering the towers' faces.
