The World of Statues

Ma Nu Thi Ha (Manimal) Statues from Wat Chetawan

2010-05-23T08:22:00.000-07:00

Phra Mae Thoranee, Chiang Mai, Thailand

2010-04-18T05:49:00.000-07:00

Phra Mae Thoranee from Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai

Phra Mae Thoranee is a very well-known as Thai Mother Earth. Phra Mae Thoranee's most popular appearance is when she took form to help Buddha towards enlightenment. The legend has it that Buddha sat down under a Bodhi tree and vowed not to get up until attaining enlightenment. He was tempted by the Mara's (devil) army so badly that he almost failed. But he touched the ground and asked Mother Earth to be a witness for his good merits. From the ground, Mother Earth appeared and squeezed her hair braid. Water, representing the merits that Buddha had earned in the past, came out of her hair and drowned Mara's army. Thus, with the help of Mother Earth, Buddha 'overcame his demons.' After which, it is said, he attained enlightenment.

Thai farmers also believe that Mother Earth has the power to bring rain. Another of Mother Earth's powers is that of protection, which is bestowed in many ways. In ancient times before men went to war they would ask for protection from Mother Earth. And those who went to a forest to catch wild elephants were also known to invoke her protection from all dangers.

(Source: http://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/old-phra-mae-thoranee-thai-mother-earth-amulet)

In contrary to Thai people's belief, one Buddhist scholar from Myanmar argued that the legend like the above mentioned was actually handed down from the Mahayana Buddhism. Thus, in Theravada Buddhism doesn't have such kind of supernatural things. He mentioned -according to the Theravada Buddhist Scripture - that when the Devil Mara and his army came to annoy the Buddha, the Buddha just pointed to the earth and made a deep vow, and the earth shook terribly. Due to the noise of the earthquake, Mara and his army fled away suddenly.

Phra Mae Thoranee infront of shops in Chiang Mai

Phra Mae Thoranee from Wat Lok Moli, Chiang Mai

Fierce Giants from Wat Rong Khun, Chiang Rai

2010-04-18T05:38:00.000-07:00

Queen Chamathewi, Wat Phrathat Doi Kham, Chiang Mai

2010-04-09T22:39:00.000-07:00

This is another set of pictures of the Queen Chamathewi, who was the actual Mon queen that ruled over Lamphun city around 1204 BE (661 CE). The statue was in green dress as well as with pearl chains and necklaces that really match with the gilded gold.

Devas (Nat) from Shwe Dagon Pagoda, Yangon, Myanmar (2)

2010-04-07T15:04:00.000-07:00

The heads of abandoned Buddha Statues from Wat Umong

2010-03-27T09:44:00.000-07:00

The head of this Buddha image and other sand stone sculptures were made between 1400 - 1550 AD. by craftsmen of the Phayao school. Chao Chun Sirorasa and other faithfuls of Wat Umong collected them from deserted monasteries in Phayao province in the year 1968 - 1970. (From bronze captions in front of the Buddha images)

The Giant Buddha from Golden Triangle, Thailand

2010-03-26T19:01:00.001-07:00

Devas (Nat) from Shwe Dagon Pagoda, Yangon, Myanmar

2010-03-26T14:56:00.000-07:00

Queen Chamathewi

2010-03-26T11:22:00.000-07:00

Queen Chamathewi Statue from Lamphun

According to the legend of Haripunchai, in 1204 BE (661 Ce) Chamatewi came from Lawo (modern-day Lopburi) to rule over Lamphun at the invitation of the hermit Wasuthep, who had founded the town but lacked a suitable ruler for it.

Chamathewi was the actual Mon queen and many followers migrated with her from the Chao Phraya river basin and the Dvaravati town of Lawo to this new northern location, bringing with them a well-established system of royal governance and Buddhist learning. The city prospered and Chamathewi eventually abdicated power to her son.

The people of Lamphun hold Chamathewi in great esteem, both as their first queen and as the city's main sacred figure. There is a bronze statue of her, one a half times taller than she was in real life, which has a merciful countenance and bears a sword to protect the city. The statue was made by the fine arts department and stands in the South of the city close to the fresh market. It is the spiritual heart.

(Source: Lamphun Tourist Guide Book, produced by Lamphun Province)

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Queen Chamathewi statue from Wat Phrathat Doi Kham, Chiang Mai

The Walking Buddha from Temple Wat Jed Yod

2010-03-25T13:46:00.000-07:00

Prince Mahidol of Songkla

2010-03-24T12:51:00.000-07:00

Mahidol Adulyadej, Prince of Songkla was known and honored as the father of modern medicine and public health of Thailand because of his initiatives and efforts, which produced a most remarkable and lasting impact on the advancement. He was the father of King Ananda Mahidol (Rama VIII) and the present King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) of Thailand.

The above statue of the Prince Mahidol of Songkla is from courtyard of the Maharaj Hospital, Chiang Mai, Thailand.

The Buddhas from Chiang Mai, Thailand (2)

2010-03-24T12:24:00.001-07:00

Statues from Huay Teung Thao Lake, Chiang Mai

2010-03-24T12:03:00.000-07:00

Since Thailand is a country that believe in Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism as well as Hinduism, several different kinds of Images can be seen in the same temple, monastery, etc. The above statues are taken at Huay Teun Thao Lake, which is situated in Chiang Mai, Nothern Thailand.

Dragons (Naga) From Thailand

2010-03-24T11:42:00.000-07:00

In Northern Thailand, Like the other Buddhist countries, extreme usage of mythical creature, Naga or traditional dragon for decorative motif in religious architecture can be well witnessed.

The Buddhas from Chiang Mai, Thailand (1)

2010-03-23T16:24:00.002-07:00

Welcome!!!

2010-03-23T07:04:00.002-07:00

Sculpture is more than painting. It is greater

To raise the dead to life than to create

Phantoms that seem to live.

(Henry Wadsworth Longfellow)