Thailand: A three-headed naga (mythical snake) emerges from the mouth of a makara (mythical sea creature), balustrade leading into the main viharn at Wat Phrathat Doi Saket, Chiang Mai, northern Thailand

Makara (Sanskrit: मकर) is a sea-creature in Hindu mythology. It is generally depicted as half terrestrial animal (in the frontal part in animal forms of elephant or crocodile or stag, or deer) and in hind part as aquatic animal, in the tail part, as a fish tail or also as seal. Sometimes, even a peacock tail is depicted. It is often portrayed protecting entryways to Hindu and Buddhist temples.

Wat Phrathat Doi Saket is perhaps best known for the murals adorning the inner walls of the main viharn. Artist Chaiwat Waranon painted these spectacular murals in the early 1990s.

King Mengrai founded the city of Chiang Mai (meaning 'new city') in 1296, and it succeeded Chiang Rai as capital of the Lanna kingdom. The ruler was known as the Chao. The city was surrounded by a moat and a defensive wall, since nearby Burma was a constant threat.

Chiang Mai formally became part of Siam in 1774 by an agreement with Chao Kavila, after the Thai King Taksin helped drive out the Burmese. Chiang Mai then slowly grew in cultural, trading and economic importance to its current status as the unofficial capital of northern Thailand, second in importance only to Bangkok.

Copyright:

CPA Media Co. Ltd.

Photographer:

David Henley

Credit:

Pictures From Asia