Bago Medaw

[1] Bago Medaw is depicted as a maiden wearing a water buffalo skull, representing a female water buffalo named Nakkarai, who nursed Prince Ashakuma, the son of Thamala, the traditional founder of Hanthawaddy (now Bago).

Upon Prince Ashakuma obstructing the tide of the water goddess Manimekhala, her anger flared, compelling him to make a wager.

In a decree, the prince was mandated to cut thousands of gazelles' tails within 1 hour to appease her wrath.

Following his defeat by the goddess' trickery, she demanded that he cut off the head of Nakkarai, who had pure gold in her horn, and present it to her.

After hearing that news, concerned that her son might commit a grave sin by beheading her, Mother Nakkarai ordered him to place the blade only on her neck.