Makara Mythology
Monster Hybrid Creatures
According to some ancient Hindu Mythology, the Makara is seen as a marvelous sea creature depicted as half-fish and half-animal. It is represented by the mount of Varuna, the Hindu god of wind and sky and Ganga, the deity associated with the Ganges River. The word means monster being in the capacity of that of a hybrid creature, neither one thing or another. In astrology, it is attributed to the sign of Capricorn, one of the twelve symbols of the Zodiac. In Thailand the Makara is seen as an aquatic monster made up as part serpent, part crocodile and part elephant. You can identify them by their crocodile heads and open toothy jaws, their elephant trunks and their serpent-like scales. These mystical creatures symbolize rainfall and the source of all existence and fertility. They are said to be water guardians living beneath rivers, lakes and seas as well as being linked to the earth via the cosmos. Intricate stone images are frequently seen rising along temple balustrades, as reliefs on temple lintels, adorning prangs or on roof tops. It's a way of protection against evil spirits. I'm told these beasts are highly regarded as powerful symbols in Thailand's rice cultivating regions.
Wat Sri Sawai
Unique specimens can be viewed enclosed within the stone late-rite walls of the fifteenth century Khmer temple of Wat Sri Sawai in the Sukhothai province of Thailand. The three-tower style structure with it's central twenty metre prang seen here was believed to have been originally built as a Hindu shrine. Carvings of the Hindu god Vishnu, the preserver of the universe and other Hindu divinities have been found on the site. Wat Mahathat some three hundred metres away, is another magical place where these mystical creatures can be viewed.
Makara Images at Wat Sri Sawai
Further afield, there are some extraordinary examples of these mysterious figures. According to the Mon Hariphunchai period, specimens often appear by themselves for decorative purposes. A rare Lan Na example with head and body can be found lining the roof of the sala at Wat Ton Kwen in the small town of Hang Dong. Another with head only can be found at Wat Kukut in Lamphun. Also known as Wat Chama Devi, it was named after the princess who first ruled Hariphunchai. The temple was built by her son, King Mahandayok in the early 8th century with the chedis here being magnificent examples of Mon architecture. Both Hang Dong and Lamphun lie just a short distance south of Chiang Mai and well worth a visit.
Makara on the roof at Wat Ton Kwen
During the Lan Na period, the makara is almost always merged with the body of the serpent-like creature known as the naga. Features here would include small crocodile-like legs that sprout in front and behind the body while the tail section would coil up much like that of a snake. Some even end as a type of rising flame.Examples of these seemingly immortal beings can be found flanking the stairwells of Buddhist temple monasteries. The balustrades are usually where these monster critters prefer to reside all the while acting as protective guardians. They appear in all periods of classical northern style Thai art. You will see them on both sides of the stairwells, all of which have five heads with the largest one in the center. They are justly imposing and impressive and could even be considered handsome.
Makara Images at Wat Chedi Luang
Some of the most exquisite examples of Burmese and Thai Lan Na periods can be seen at Wat Chedi Luang, a Buddhist temple in the historic part of Chiang Mai. Here you will find the heads of these rather ferocious snarling creatures sporting glorious crowns, all of which are attached to serpent-like torsos with intricately patterned scales. They appear to have glided downward from the balustrades. Similar examples can be found at Wat Umong Maha Thera Chan which is one of many Buddhist temples located within the old city moat of the same city. Another fine example can be seen at Wat Suan Dok which is located just west of the old city walls on Suthep Road in Chiang Mai. One of the serpent-like creature found here has a head with a rather menacingly looking open mouth that sports a beautifully carved ornamented floral tendril complete with serpent-like floral torso.
Makara-Naga Images at Wat Suan Dok
It would be appreciated if anyone kind enough to read this article and who may have any other additional information regarding the details described here, to contact me so that I may improve the subject for myself and others to enjoy.
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