Thailand: Erawan, the three-headed elephant, symbol of Old Siam, on a chedi in Mae Sariang, Mae Hong Son Province, northern Thailand

Erawan is the Thai name of the mythological elephant Airavata.

Erawan is a mythological white elephant who carries the Hindu god Indra. According to the Ramayana, his mother was Iravati. According to the Matangalila, Erawan (Airavata) was born when Brahma sang sacred hymns over the halves of the egg shell from which Garuda hatched, followed by seven more male and eight female elephants. Prithu made Erawan king of all elephants. One of his names means 'the one who knits or binds the clouds' since myth has it that these elephants are capable of producing clouds.

Mae Sariang is a small town and district (Amphoe) alongside the Yuam River in Mae Hong Son Province, northern Thailand, along the Myanmar border. The areas around Mae Sariang are mountainous and forested. The town has many links to Burma, such as its architecture and a large population of Burmese Muslims.

Copyright:

CPA Media Co. Ltd.

Photographer:

David Henley

Credit:

Pictures From Asia