Thailand: Mae Toranee, Earth Goddess, wringing the cool waters of detatchment from her hair at the entrance to Doi Chiang Dao (Chiang Dao Mountain) Caves, Chiang Dao, northern Thailand

Phra Mae Thorani (Thai: พระแม่ธรณี), Mae Phra Thorani (Thai: แม่พระธรณี) or Nang Thorani (นางธรณี), known as Wathondara or Wathondare in Burmese, from Pali Vasudhara are Thai and Lao language names for the Khmer language Preah Thorani, an earth goddess of the Buddhist mythology of the region. She is also known as Suvathara or Sowathara.

Located 70 kilometres due north of Chiang Mai (northern Thailand) on the road to Fang, Chiang Dao shelters beneath the impressive bulk of Doi Chiang Dao, a massive outcrop of rock which rises steeply over the town to a height of 2,175 metres. The peak—Thailand's third highest—is usually shrouded in clouds, and is home to a number of hilltribe villages, including Lisu, Lahu and Karen settlements.

Chiang Dao is a small, rather traditional town of two-storey teak shop-houses and quiet back streets. About 5 kilometres distant, on the eastern side of Doi Chiang Dao, lies the entrance to the extensive subterranean network which makes up the Chiang Dao caves. Various stories and legends surround these caverns, which are reported to extend as far as 14 kilometres under the mountain—though they are only illuminated by electric light for the first kilometre or so.

Copyright:

CPA Media Co. Ltd.

Photographer:

David Henley

Credit:

Pictures From Asia