Thailand: Hamsa (sacred swan or goose) over the front door of the viharn at Wat Phuak Hong, Chiang Mai

Wat Phuak Hong (วัดพวกหงษ์), the 'Temple of the Flight of Swans', is located in the southwest corner of Chiang Mai Old City. A typical small Lan Na temple, it is chiefly notable for the round stupa that stands to the west of the viharn. Built in the 16th century, the rounded structure has seven diminishing tiers encircled by a total of 52 niches for images of the Buddha,some of which survive today, though in a rather damaged condition.

This unusual structure, one of only four round, stepped stupas in northern Thailand, is sometimes described as a pagoda, while some experts suggest it shows signs of influence from neighbouring Yunnan Province in China. An alternative explanation is that it is a round version of the square stepped stupas dating from the 12th century found in nearby Lamphun.

The Hamsa (from Sanskrit हंस haṃsa), also hong or hongsa, is an aquatic bird, often considered to be a goose or sometimes a swan. It is used in Indian and Southeast Asian culture as a symbol and a decorative element.

King Mengrai founded the city of Chiang Mai (meaning "new city") in 1296, and it succeeded Chiang Rai as capital of the Lanna kingdom. Chiang Mai sometimes written as "Chiengmai" or "Chiangmai", is the largest and most culturally significant city in northern Thailand.

Copyright:

CPA Media Co. Ltd.

Photographer:

David Henley

Credit:

Pictures From Asia