Phra Mae Thoranee, Chiang Mai, Thailand

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