Thailand: Chofah (sky tassels) on the roof of Wat Ratchabophit, Bangkok

Chofah (sky tassel) are Thai architectural decorative ornaments that adorn the top end of Buddhist temple and some palace roofs in Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar. It resembles a tall thin bird and looks hornlike. The chofah is generally believed to represent the mythical creature Garuda, half bird and half man, who is the vehicle of the Hindu god Vishnu.

Wat Ratchabophit (Rajabophit) was constructed during the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V, 1868 - 1910). The temple blends Eastern and Western architectural styles and is noted for its circular cloister enclosing the large Sri Lankan-style chedi and connecting the ubosot (bot) to the north with the viharn to the south.

Copyright:

CPA Media Co. Ltd.

Photographer:

David Henley

Credit:

Pictures From Asia