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Kshitigarbha, sometimes spelt Ksitigarbha, is a bodhisattva mainly worshipped in East Asian and Theravada Buddhism, and is often depicted as a monk with a halo around his shaved head. His name may translate to 'Earth Treasury' or 'Earth Matrix', and is renowned for his vow to instruct all beings in the six worlds between the death of Gautama Buddha and the ascendance of Maitreya, as well as his oath to not achieve Buddhahood until all hells are emptied.<br/><br/> Thus, Kshitigarbha is often associated with hell and as the bodhisattva of hell-beings. He is also the guardian of children and patrod deity for deceased children and aborted fetuses in Japanese culture, where he is known by the name Jizo or Ojizo-sama. In Thailand and Laos, a <i>bhikkhu</i> named Phra Malai is often associated with Kshitigarbha due to their similar qualities, where he descends to Hell to teach and comfort the suffering hell-beings.
Born Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus, Nero was the only son of Agrippina the Younger, who would later marry his great-uncle Emperor Claudius. Claudius adopted Nero and was made heir and successor alongside Claudius' own son Brittanicus. Nero acceded to the throne after Claudius' death in 54 CE, possibly poisoned at the hands of Nero's mother.<br/><br/> Nero's reign is infamous for his corruption, tyranny and extravagance, as well as his many executions, including that of his mother and the poisoning of his stepbrother Britannicus soon after the start of his rule. His most infamous mark on history however, is his presumed starting of the Great Fire of Rome in 64 CE, which caused widespread destruction and was intentionally done to clear space for Nero's planned palatial complex, the Domus Aurea.<br/><br/> In 68 CE, Nero was driven from the throne by rebellion, and he committed suicide that same year. With his death came the the end of the Julio-Claudian dynasty, leading to the tumultuous period known as the Year of the Four Emperors.
Located in the northeast of the country, Shan State covers one-quarter of Burma’s land mass. It was traditionally separated into principalities and is mostly comprised of ethnic Shan, Burman Pa-O, Intha, Taungyo, Danu, Palaung and Kachin peoples.<br/><br/> The ethnic Tai-Shan people are believed to have migrated from Yunnan in China. The Shan are descendants of the oldest branch of the Tai-Shan, known as ‘Tai Long’ (Great Tai) or ‘Thai Yai’ (Big Thai). The Tai-Shan who migrated to the south and now inhabit modern-day Laos and Thailand are known as ‘Tai Noi’ (Little Tai) or ‘Tai Nyai’.<br/><br/> The Shan have inhabited the Shan Plateau and other parts of modern-day Myanmar as far back as the 10th century CE. The Shan kingdom of Mong Mao (Muang Mao) existed as early as the 10th century CE, but became a Burmese vassal state during the reign of King Anawrahta of Pagan (1044-1077).
Located four kilometres north of Bhaktapur at the end of a high ridge (1,677 metres), the temple of Changu Narayan is one of the oldest in the Kathmandu Valley, and the most sacred to worshippers of Vishnu.<br/><br/> The original construction of Changu Narayan, or Vishnu of the Moving Hill, is attributed to Licchavi king Hari Datta Varma around 325 CE. The earliest inscription found dates back to the year 464 in the reign of King Manadeva I, but there are indications that the temple must have existed long before.
Located four kilometres north of Bhaktapur at the end of a high ridge (1,677 metres), the temple of Changu Narayan is one of the oldest in the Kathmandu Valley, and the most sacred to worshippers of Vishnu.<br/><br/> The original construction of Changu Narayan, or Vishnu of the Moving Hill, is attributed to Licchavi king Hari Datta Varma around 325 CE. The earliest inscription found dates back to the year 464 in the reign of King Manadeva I, but there are indications that the temple must have existed long before.
Located four kilometres north of Bhaktapur at the end of a high ridge (1,677 metres), the temple of Changu Narayan is one of the oldest in the Kathmandu Valley, and the most sacred to worshippers of Vishnu.<br/><br/> The original construction of Changu Narayan, or Vishnu of the Moving Hill, is attributed to Licchavi king Hari Datta Varma around 325 CE. The earliest inscription found dates back to the year 464 in the reign of King Manadeva I, but there are indications that the temple must have existed long before.
Located four kilometres north of Bhaktapur at the end of a high ridge (1,677 metres), the temple of Changu Narayan is one of the oldest in the Kathmandu Valley, and the most sacred to worshippers of Vishnu.<br/><br/> The original construction of Changu Narayan, or Vishnu of the Moving Hill, is attributed to Licchavi king Hari Datta Varma around 325 CE. The earliest inscription found dates back to the year 464 in the reign of King Manadeva I, but there are indications that the temple must have existed long before.
Lady Dou Wan was the wife of Liu Sheng, Prince of Zhongshan, of the Western Han Dynasty. Her tomb was discovered in 1968 in Mancheng County, Hebei. Her body was encased in a jade burial suit.<br/><br/> Among the artefacts found in the tomb was a gilt bronze figure of a maidservant holding an oil-lamp, the 'Changxin Palace Lamp'. Not only was the palace maid beautifully sculptured, the lamp and its cover were cleverly designed so that both the lamp's illuminating power and the direction of its rays were (and still are) adjustable.
The Mamluk Sultanate was a medieval realm spanning Egypt, the Levant, and Hejaz. It lasted from the overthrow of the Ayyubid Dynasty until the Ottoman conquest of Egypt in 1517. Historians have traditionally broken the era of Mamluk rule into two period, one covering 1250–1382, the other, 1382–1517.<br/><br/> Western historians call the former the 'Bahri' period and the latter the 'Burji' due to the political dominance of the regimes known by these names during the respective eras. Contemporary Muslim historians refer to the same divisions as the 'Turkish' and 'Circassian' periods in order to emphasize the change in ethnic origin of the Mamluk rulers.
<i>Bugaku</i>, a court dance accompanied by <i>Gagaku</i> music, is a Japanese traditional dance blending Buddhist and Shinto elements that has been performed to select elites mostly in Japanese imperial courts for over twelve hundred years.<br/><br/> In this way it has been an upper class secret, although after World War II the dance was opened to the public and has even toured around the world in 1959. The dance is marked by its slow, precise and regal movements.<br/><br/> The dancers wear intricate traditional Buddhist costumes, which usually include equally beautiful masks. The music and dance pattern is often repeated several times. It is performed on a square platform, usually 6m by 6m.<br/><br/> Representing one of twenty standard characters that appear in Bugaku dance performance masks are a fine example of the exaggerated realism that captures a symbolic emotion or expression for dramatic stage effect. The earliest Bugaku masks were made by imperial craftsmen in dry lacquer.
<i>Bugaku</i>, a court dance accompanied by <i>Gagaku</i> music, is a Japanese traditional dance blending Buddhist and Shinto elements that has been performed to select elites mostly in Japanese imperial courts for over twelve hundred years.<br/><br/> In this way it has been an upper class secret, although after World War II the dance was opened to the public and has even toured around the world in 1959. The dance is marked by its slow, precise and regal movements.<br/><br/> The dancers wear intricate traditional Buddhist costumes, which usually include equally beautiful masks. The music and dance pattern is often repeated several times. It is performed on a square platform, usually 6m by 6m.<br/><br/> Representing one of twenty standard characters that appear in Bugaku dance performance masks are a fine example of the exaggerated realism that captures a symbolic emotion or expression for dramatic stage effect. The earliest Bugaku masks were made by imperial craftsmen in dry lacquer.
Located four kilometres north of Bhaktapur at the end of a high ridge (1,677 metres), the temple of Changu Narayan is one of the oldest in the Kathmandu Valley, and the most sacred to worshippers of Vishnu.<br/><br/> The original construction of Changu Narayan, or Vishnu of the Moving Hill, is attributed to Licchavi king Hari Datta Varma around 325 CE. The earliest inscription found dates back to the year 464 in the reign of King Manadeva I, but there are indications that the temple must have existed long before.
Etruscan art was a form of figurative art produced by the Etruscan civilization in central Italy between the 9th and 2nd centuries BCE. Particularly strong in this tradition were figurative sculpture in terracotta (particularly life-size on sarcophagi or temples) and cast bronze, wall-painting and metalworking (especially engraved bronze mirrors and situlae).<br/><br/> The swastika remains widely used in Indian religions, specifically in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, primarily as a tantric symbol to evoke shakti or the sacred symbol of auspiciousness. The word 'swastika' comes from the Sanskrit, literally meaning 'to be good'.<br/><br/> Despite the use of the name swastika for the Nazi hakenkreuz or 'hook cross', the South Asian swastika has nothing to do with National Socialism or Fascism.
Located four kilometres north of Bhaktapur at the end of a high ridge (1,677 metres), the temple of Changu Narayan is one of the oldest in the Kathmandu Valley, and the most sacred to worshippers of Vishnu.<br/><br/> The original construction of Changu Narayan, or Vishnu of the Moving Hill, is attributed to Licchavi king Hari Datta Varma around 325 CE. The earliest inscription found dates back to the year 464 in the reign of King Manadeva I, but there are indications that the temple must have existed long before.
Located in the northeast of the country, Shan State covers one-quarter of Burma’s land mass. It was traditionally separated into principalities and is mostly comprised of ethnic Shan, Burman Pa-O, Intha, Taungyo, Danu, Palaung and Kachin peoples.<br/><br/> The ethnic Tai-Shan people are believed to have migrated from Yunnan in China. The Shan are descendants of the oldest branch of the Tai-Shan, known as ‘Tai Long’ (Great Tai) or ‘Thai Yai’ (Big Thai). The Tai-Shan who migrated to the south and now inhabit modern-day Laos and Thailand are known as ‘Tai Noi’ (Little Tai) or ‘Tai Nyai’.<br/><br/> The Shan have inhabited the Shan Plateau and other parts of modern-day Myanmar as far back as the 10th century CE. The Shan kingdom of Mong Mao (Muang Mao) existed as early as the 10th century CE, but became a Burmese vassal state during the reign of King Anawrahta of Pagan (1044-1077).
Located in the northeast of the country, Shan State covers one-quarter of Burma’s land mass. It was traditionally separated into principalities and is mostly comprised of ethnic Shan, Burman Pa-O, Intha, Taungyo, Danu, Palaung and Kachin peoples.<br/><br/> The ethnic Tai-Shan people are believed to have migrated from Yunnan in China. The Shan are descendants of the oldest branch of the Tai-Shan, known as ‘Tai Long’ (Great Tai) or ‘Thai Yai’ (Big Thai). The Tai-Shan who migrated to the south and now inhabit modern-day Laos and Thailand are known as ‘Tai Noi’ (Little Tai) or ‘Tai Nyai’.<br/><br/> The Shan have inhabited the Shan Plateau and other parts of modern-day Myanmar as far back as the 10th century CE. The Shan kingdom of Mong Mao (Muang Mao) existed as early as the 10th century CE, but became a Burmese vassal state during the reign of King Anawrahta of Pagan (1044-1077).
Located in the northeast of the country, Shan State covers one-quarter of Burma’s land mass. It was traditionally separated into principalities and is mostly comprised of ethnic Shan, Burman Pa-O, Intha, Taungyo, Danu, Palaung and Kachin peoples.<br/><br/> The ethnic Tai-Shan people are believed to have migrated from Yunnan in China. The Shan are descendants of the oldest branch of the Tai-Shan, known as ‘Tai Long’ (Great Tai) or ‘Thai Yai’ (Big Thai). The Tai-Shan who migrated to the south and now inhabit modern-day Laos and Thailand are known as ‘Tai Noi’ (Little Tai) or ‘Tai Nyai’.<br/><br/> The Shan have inhabited the Shan Plateau and other parts of modern-day Myanmar as far back as the 10th century CE. The Shan kingdom of Mong Mao (Muang Mao) existed as early as the 10th century CE, but became a Burmese vassal state during the reign of King Anawrahta of Pagan (1044-1077).
Located in the northeast of the country, Shan State covers one-quarter of Burma’s land mass. It was traditionally separated into principalities and is mostly comprised of ethnic Shan, Burman Pa-O, Intha, Taungyo, Danu, Palaung and Kachin peoples.<br/><br/> The ethnic Tai-Shan people are believed to have migrated from Yunnan in China. The Shan are descendants of the oldest branch of the Tai-Shan, known as ‘Tai Long’ (Great Tai) or ‘Thai Yai’ (Big Thai). The Tai-Shan who migrated to the south and now inhabit modern-day Laos and Thailand are known as ‘Tai Noi’ (Little Tai) or ‘Tai Nyai’.<br/><br/> The Shan have inhabited the Shan Plateau and other parts of modern-day Myanmar as far back as the 10th century CE. The Shan kingdom of Mong Mao (Muang Mao) existed as early as the 10th century CE, but became a Burmese vassal state during the reign of King Anawrahta of Pagan (1044-1077).
Located in the northeast of the country, Shan State covers one-quarter of Burma’s land mass. It was traditionally separated into principalities and is mostly comprised of ethnic Shan, Burman Pa-O, Intha, Taungyo, Danu, Palaung and Kachin peoples.<br/><br/> The ethnic Tai-Shan people are believed to have migrated from Yunnan in China. The Shan are descendants of the oldest branch of the Tai-Shan, known as ‘Tai Long’ (Great Tai) or ‘Thai Yai’ (Big Thai). The Tai-Shan who migrated to the south and now inhabit modern-day Laos and Thailand are known as ‘Tai Noi’ (Little Tai) or ‘Tai Nyai’.<br/><br/> The Shan have inhabited the Shan Plateau and other parts of modern-day Myanmar as far back as the 10th century CE. The Shan kingdom of Mong Mao (Muang Mao) existed as early as the 10th century CE, but became a Burmese vassal state during the reign of King Anawrahta of Pagan (1044-1077).
Vasudhara whose name means 'stream of gems' in Sanskrit, is the Buddhist bodhisattva of wealth, prosperity, and abundance. She is popular in many Buddhist countries and is a subject in Buddhist legends and art.<br/><br/> Originally an Indian bodhisattva, her popularity has spread to southern Buddhist countries. Her popularity, however, peaks in Nepal where she has a strong following among the Buddhist Newars of the Kathmandu Valley and is thus a central figure in Newar Buddhism. She is named Shiskar Apa in Lahul and Spiti.
In Buddhism, a bodhisattva is either an enlightened (bodhi) existence (sattva) or an enlightenment-being or, given the variant Sanskrit spelling satva rather than sattva, 'heroic-minded one (satva) for enlightenment (bodhi).' Another term is 'wisdom-being.' It is anyone who, motivated by great compassion, has generated bodhicitta, which is a spontaneous wish to attain Buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings.
In 1487 the King Tilokarat, 9th of the Mangrai monarchs, died, leaving the throne to his grandson, King Yot Chiang Rai (1487-95). According to the Yonok Chronicle, during Yot Chiang Rai’s reign, an itinerant monk was wandering through the forest area between Chiang Mai City and Doi Suthep when he saw miraculous rays of light emanating from the ground beneath a large, old tree. On learning of this, King Yot Chiang Rai was curious, and set out on elephant back to investigate, vowing: ‘if there are sacred relics to be found, and I am fortunate enough to become a patron of Buddhism, then let the elephant stop where the relics are buried’.<br/><br/> In time the elephant did stop, and a container ‘in Chiang Saen style’ was unearthed, containing a tooth thought to be that of the Buddha. Yot Chiang Rai venerated the relic and held a great religious celebration at which the tooth ‘shone with a radiance like the moon at the start of the lunar month’. It was then placed in a gold reliquary, and installed in a chedi that was constructed at the place where it had been found. This marked the foundation of Wat Rampoeng Tapotharam.<br/><br/> In 1974, Phrakhru Pipatkanapibarn, the abbot of Wat Muang Mang in Chiang Mai’s Haiya District, decided to establish a meditation centre at Wat Rampoeng. It has remained an internationally recognised meditation centre ever since.
Pha That Luang, the 'Great Sacred Stupa' of Vientiane, is the most important religious edifice in Laos. It also has great spiritual significance for the Lao people, having been considered the symbol of Lao independence and sovereignty since the time of Lan Xang, the Kingdom of the Million Elephants, in the mid-sixteenth century.<br/><br/> According to legend, That Luang was first established in the year 236 of the Buddhist Era, corresponding to 307 BC, when five Lao monks who had been studying in India, returned home bearing a breastbone of the Buddha. The five pilgrims persuaded Phaya Chanthaburi Pasithisak, then Lord of Vientiane, to build a stupa over the sacred relic 'for those who wished to pray and worship'.<br/><br/> The second, historic establishment of Pha That Luang was undertaken by King Setthathirat the Great, who moved the Lao capital from Luang Prabang to Vientiane in the mid-sixteenth century. Construction of the great stupa began in 1566.
Wat Suan Dok (Thai: วัดสวนดอà¸, which roughly translates as Flower Garden Temple) was founded by King Kue Na of Lanna for the monk Sumana Thera in the year 1370 CE. The temple was built in the centre of Wiang Suan Dok, a walled settlement of the Lawa people older than Chiang Mai itself.<br/><br/> Chiang Mai, sometimes written as 'Chiengmai' or 'Chiangmai', is the largest and most culturally significant city in northern Thailand, and is the capital of Chiang Mai Province. It is located 700 km (435 mi) north of Bangkok, among the highest mountains in the country. The city is on the Ping river, a major tributary of the Chao Phraya river.<br/><br/> 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.<br/><br/> 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.
Wat Suan Dok (Thai: วัดสวนดอà¸, which roughly translates as Flower Garden Temple) was founded by King Kue Na of Lanna for the monk Sumana Thera in the year 1370 CE. The temple was built in the centre of Wiang Suan Dok, a walled settlement of the Lawa people older than Chiang Mai itself.<br/><br/> Chiang Mai, sometimes written as 'Chiengmai' or 'Chiangmai', is the largest and most culturally significant city in northern Thailand, and is the capital of Chiang Mai Province. It is located 700 km (435 mi) north of Bangkok, among the highest mountains in the country. The city is on the Ping river, a major tributary of the Chao Phraya river.<br/><br/> 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.<br/><br/> 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.
Wat Suan Dok (Thai: วัดสวนดอà¸, which roughly translates as Flower Garden Temple) was founded by King Kue Na of Lanna for the monk Sumana Thera in the year 1370 CE. The temple was built in the centre of Wiang Suan Dok, a walled settlement of the Lawa people older than Chiang Mai itself.<br/><br/> Chiang Mai, sometimes written as 'Chiengmai' or 'Chiangmai', is the largest and most culturally significant city in northern Thailand, and is the capital of Chiang Mai Province. It is located 700 km (435 mi) north of Bangkok, among the highest mountains in the country. The city is on the Ping river, a major tributary of the Chao Phraya river.<br/><br/> 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.<br/><br/> 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.
SiddhÄrtha Gautama (Sanskrit: सिदà¥à¤§à¤¾à¤°à¥à¤¥ गौतम; Pali: Siddhattha Gotama) was a spiritual teacher from ancient India who founded Buddhism. In most Buddhist traditions, he is regarded as the Supreme Buddha (P. sammÄsambuddha, S. samyaksaṃbuddha) of our age, 'Buddha' meaning 'awakened one' or 'enlightened one'.<br/><br/> The time of his birth and death are uncertain: most early 20th-century historians dated his lifetime as c. 563 BCE to 483 BCE, but more recent opinion dates his death to between 486 and 483 BCE or, according to some, between 411 and 400 BCE. By tradition, Gautama is said to have been born in the small state of Kapilavastu, in what is now Nepal, and later to have taught primarily throughout regions of eastern India such as Magadha and KoÅ›ala.<br/><br/> Gautama, also known as ÅšÄkyamuni ('Sage of the ÅšÄkyas'), is the primary figure in Buddhism, and accounts of his life, discourses, and monastic rules are believed by Buddhists to have been summarized after his death and memorized by his followers. Various collections of teachings attributed to him were passed down by oral tradition, and first committed to writing about 400 years later.<br/><br/> He is also regarded as a god or prophet in other world religions or denominations, including Hinduism, Ahmadiyya Islam, and the Bahá'í faith.
Khosrau I (also called Xusro I, Khosnow I, Chusro I, Khusro I, Husraw I or Khosrow I, Chosroes I in classical sources, most commonly known in Persian as Anushirvan, meaning the immortal soul), also known as Anushiravan the Just (Born c. 501, ruled 531–579), was the favourite son and successor of Kavadh I (488–531), twentieth Sassanid Emperor (Great King) of Persia, and the most famous and celebrated of the Sassanid Emperors.<br/><br/> He laid the foundations of many cities and opulent palaces, and oversaw the repair of trade roads as well as the building of numerous bridges and dams. During Khosrau I's ambitious reign, art and science flourished in Persia and the Sassanid Empire reached the peak of its glory and prosperity.
The Buddha rising up from lotus. Crimson and gilded wood, Trần-Hồ dynasty, 14th-15th century. Statue for worship. National Museum of Vietnamese History, Hanoi.
Tara, also known as Jetsun Dolma (Tibetan: rje btsun sgrol ma) in Tibetan Buddhism, is a female Bodhisattva in Mahayana Buddhism who appears as a female Buddha in Vajrayana Buddhism. She is known as the 'mother of liberation', and represents the virtues of success in work and achievements. In Japan she is known as Tarani Bosatsu, and as Tuoluo in Chinese Buddhism.<br/><br/> Tara is a tantric meditation deity whose practice is used by practitioners of the Tibetan branch of Vajrayana Buddhism to develop certain inner qualities and understand outer, inner and secret teachings about compassion and emptiness. Tara is actually the generic name for a set of Buddhas or bodhisattvas of similar aspect. These may more properly be understood as different aspects of the same quality, as bodhisattvas are often considered metaphoric for Buddhist virtues.
Shan Jahan (1592-1666) was the emperor of the Mughal Empire in the Indian subcontinent from 1628 until 1658. The name Shah Jahan comes from the Persian meaning 'King of the World'. He was the fifth Mughal ruler after Babur, Humayun, Akbar, and Jahangir. While young, he was a favourite of his legendary grandfather Akbar the Great. He is also known as 'Shah Jahan the Magnificent'. The period of his reign is considered the golden age of Mughal expansion—by the end of his reign the Mughal Empire covered 3 million square km and most of India.<br/><br/> The Shah Jahan era was also a Golden Age in Mughal architecture. He built many splendid monuments, the most famous of which is the legendary Taj Mahal at Agra, built as a tomb for his wife, Empress Mumtaz Mahal. He also had constructed the Red Fort in Delhi and the Pearl Mosque in the Lahore Fort.<br/><br/> Mughal period miniature painting from an album featuring portraits of Timur the Great and his descendants, mid-17th century
Wat Phra That Chae Haeng dates from 1355 and was built during the reign of Pray Kan Muang.<br/><br/> Nan dates from the mid-14th century and for much of its history was an isolated kingdom. The present day city spreads out along the Nan River's right bank.
Wat Phra That Chae Haeng dates from 1355 and was built during the reign of Pray Kan Muang.<br/><br/> Nan dates from the mid-14th century and for much of its history was an isolated kingdom. The present day city spreads out along the Nan River's right bank.
Polo's biographers Yule and Cordier (1923) are doubtful of the identification of the 'Canton Marco Polo', believing the Luohan / arhat effigy is more probably based on a 16th century Portuguese visitor to Guangzhou.<br/><br/> The identification seems to have been accepted by the Museo Correr in Marco Polo's native Venice, however, where a copy of the effigy (shown here) has been on display since 1881.
Originally built in the 16th century, Wat Pho is Bangkok's oldest temple. King Rama I of the Chakri Dynasty (1736—1809) rebuilt the temple in the 1780s.<br/><br/> Officially called Wat Phra Chetuphon, it is one of Bangkok's best known Buddhist temples and is nowadays a major tourist attraction, located directly to the south of the Grand Palace. Wat Pho is famed for its Reclining Buddha and renowned as the home of traditional Thai massage.
Tara is a female Bodhisattva in Mahayana Buddhism who appears as a female Buddha in Vajrayana Buddhism.<br/><br/>Tara is known as the 'mother of liberation', and represents the virtues of success in work and achievements. In Japan she is known as Tarani Bosatsu, and as Tuoluo in Chinese Buddhism.
The griffin, griffon, or gryphon is a legendary creature with the body, tail, and back legs of a lion; the head and wings of an eagle; and an eagle's talons as its front feet. As the lion was traditionally considered the king of the beasts and the eagle was the king of the birds, the griffin was thought to be an especially powerful and majestic creature.<br/><br/> The griffin was also thought of as king of the creatures. Griffins are known for guarding treasure and priceless possessions. In antiquity it was a symbol of divine power and a guardian of the divine.
Wat Phra That Chae Haeng dates from 1355 and was built during the reign of Pray Kan Muang.<br/><br/> Nan dates from the mid-14th century and for much of its history was an isolated kingdom. The present day city spreads out along the Nan River's right bank.
Wat Phra That Chae Haeng dates from 1355 and was built during the reign of Pray Kan Muang.<br/><br/> Nan dates from the mid-14th century and for much of its history was an isolated kingdom. The present day city spreads out along the Nan River's right bank.
Wat Phra That Chae Haeng dates from 1355 and was built during the reign of Pray Kan Muang.<br/><br/> Nan dates from the mid-14th century and for much of its history was an isolated kingdom. The present day city spreads out along the Nan River's right bank.
Wat Phra That Chae Haeng dates from 1355 and was built during the reign of Pray Kan Muang.<br/><br/> Nan dates from the mid-14th century and for much of its history was an isolated kingdom. The present day city spreads out along the Nan River's right bank.
Lak Mueang are City pillars found in most cities of Thailand. Usually housed in a shrine which is also believed to house Chao Pho Lak Mueang, the city spirit deity; it is held in high esteem by citizens.<br/><br/> Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park in central Thailand was once part of the Sukhothai Kingdom that flourished in the 13th and 14th century CE. The Sukhothai Kingdom was the first of the Thai kingdoms.
Wat Phra That Lampang Luang (วัดพระธาตุลำปางหลวง), the ‘Temple of the Great Buddha Relic of Lampang’, dates back to the 15th century and is a wooden Lanna-style temple found in the Ko Kha district of Lampang Province. It stands atop an artificial mound, and is surrounded by a high and massive brick wall. The temple itself doubles as a wiang (fortified settlement), and was built as a fortified temple.
Elaborate pavilions and Buddhist temples are traditionally constructed especially for royal funerals in Siam. The body of the deceased was embalmed and preserved while the cremation site was built. Funereal rites and a period of mourning could take months or even a year before the funeral took place. The embalmed body was then placed in a kneeling position in a gold urn on a high bier inside an ornate edifice to be cremated. Festivities including Chinese theatre and musical shows would be held alongside chanting by Buddhist monks to celebrate the reincarnation of the soul as per Buddhist belief. In Siam, people of all ranks were cremated rather than buried, with the exception of criminals, babies and women who had died in childbirth.
Wat Chiang Man (Chiang Mun) was built in 1297 CE and is thought to be Chiang Mai's oldest temple. It was built on the spot which had been used by King Mangrai as a camp during the construction of his new capital city Chiang Mai.<br/><br/> Chiang Mai (meaning "new city"), sometimes written as "Chiengmai" or "Chiangmai", is the largest and most culturally significant city in northern Thailand. King Mengrai founded the city of Chiang Mai in 1296, and it succeeded Chiang Rai as capital of the Lanna kingdom.
Wat Chiang Man (Chiang Mun) was built in 1297 CE and is thought to be Chiang Mai's oldest temple. It was built on the spot which had been used by King Mangrai as a camp during the construction of his new capital city Chiang Mai.<br/><br/> Chiang Mai (meaning "new city"), sometimes written as "Chiengmai" or "Chiangmai", is the largest and most culturally significant city in northern Thailand. King Mengrai founded the city of Chiang Mai in 1296, and it succeeded Chiang Rai as capital of the Lanna kingdom.
Wat Chiang Man (Chiang Mun) was built in 1297 CE and is thought to be Chiang Mai's oldest temple. It was built on the spot which had been used by King Mangrai as a camp during the construction of his new capital city Chiang Mai.<br/><br/> Chiang Mai (meaning "new city"), sometimes written as "Chiengmai" or "Chiangmai", is the largest and most culturally significant city in northern Thailand. King Mengrai founded the city of Chiang Mai in 1296, and it succeeded Chiang Rai as capital of the Lanna kingdom.
An important destination, for visitors and residents alike, is Doi Suthep. This forested hill - Doi is a northern Thai word for mountain - looms to the western side of the city, offering easy access to fresh air, forest walks, and a Hmong hill tribe village. Half-way up the mountain stands Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. After a drive of about twenty minutes from the city centre, the temple may be reached by a steep flight of steps flanked by naga-snake balustrades, or by a funicular railway. The magnificent gilded chedi, which dates from the 16th century, offers superb views across Chiang Mai Valley to the River Ping.<br/><br/> 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.
Wat Phra That Haripunchai was founded in 1044 by King Athitayarat of Haripunchai on the site of Queen Chamathewi's (Chama Thewi or Chamadevi) royal palace. Legend has it that the queen's personal quarters are enclosed in the main 46-metre high Lan Na-style chedi, covered in copper plates and topped by a gold umbrella or plee.<br/><br/> Lamphun was the capital of the small but culturally rich Mon Kingdom of Haripunchai from about 750 AD to the time of its conquest by King Mangrai (the founder of Chiang Mai) in 1281.
Wat Phra That Haripunchai was founded in 1044 by King Athitayarat of Haripunchai on the site of Queen Chamathewi's (Chama Thewi or Chamadevi) royal palace. Legend has it that the queen's personal quarters are enclosed in the main 46-metre high Lan Na-style chedi, covered in copper plates and topped by a gold umbrella or plee.<br/><br/> Lamphun was the capital of the small but culturally rich Mon Kingdom of Haripunchai from about 750 AD to the time of its conquest by King Mangrai (the founder of Chiang Mai) in 1281.
Wat Phra That Haripunchai was founded in 1044 by King Athitayarat of Haripunchai on the site of Queen Chamathewi's (Chama Thewi or Chamadevi) royal palace. Legend has it that the queen's personal quarters are enclosed in the main 46-metre high Lan Na-style chedi, covered in copper plates and topped by a gold umbrella or plee.<br/><br/> Lamphun was the capital of the small but culturally rich Mon Kingdom of Haripunchai from about 750 AD to the time of its conquest by King Mangrai (the founder of Chiang Mai) in 1281.
Wat Phra That Haripunchai was founded in 1044 by King Athitayarat of Haripunchai on the site of Queen Chamathewi's (Chama Thewi or Chamadevi) royal palace. Legend has it that the queen's personal quarters are enclosed in the main 46-metre high Lan Na-style chedi, covered in copper plates and topped by a gold umbrella or plee.<br/><br/> Lamphun was the capital of the small but culturally rich Mon Kingdom of Haripunchai from about 750 AD to the time of its conquest by King Mangrai (the founder of Chiang Mai) in 1281.
An important destination, for visitors and residents alike, is Doi Suthep. This forested hill - Doi is a northern Thai word for mountain - looms to the western side of the city, offering easy access to fresh air, forest walks, and a Hmong hill tribe village. Half-way up the mountain stands Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. After a drive of about twenty minutes from the city centre, the temple may be reached by a steep flight of steps flanked by naga-snake balustrades, or by a funicular railway. The magnificent gilded chedi, which dates from the 16th century, offers superb views across Chiang Mai Valley to the River Ping.<br/><br/> 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.
An important destination, for visitors and residents alike, is Doi Suthep. This forested hill - Doi is a northern Thai word for mountain - looms to the western side of the city, offering easy access to fresh air, forest walks, and a Hmong hill tribe village. Half-way up the mountain stands Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. After a drive of about twenty minutes from the city centre, the temple may be reached by a steep flight of steps flanked by naga-snake balustrades, or by a funicular railway. The magnificent gilded chedi, which dates from the 16th century, offers superb views across Chiang Mai Valley to the River Ping.<br/><br/> 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.
Mongolian Buddhism: Gilded stupa and a prajnaparamita ('Heart of Perfect Wisdom') text from the 18th century CE. Photo by Gryffindor (CC BY-SA 3.0 License).
Ngawang Lobsang Gyatso, the Great Fifth Dalai Lama (1617–1682), was a political and religious leader in seventeenth-century Tibet. Ngawang Lozang Gyatso was the ordination name he had received from Panchen Lobsang Chökyi Gyaltsen who was responsible for his ordination.<br/><br/> He was the first Dalai Lama to wield effective political power over central Tibet, and is frequently referred to as the 'Great Fifth Dalai Lama'.
A dakini (Sanskrit: á¸ÄkinÄ«; Tibetan: khandroma) is a tantric deity described as a female embodiment of enlightened energy. In the Tibetan language, dakini is rendered khandroma which means 'she who traverses the sky' or 'she who moves in space'. Sometimes the term is translated poetically as 'sky dancer' or 'sky walker'.<br/><br/> The dakini, in all her varied forms, is an important figure in Tibetan Buddhism. She is so central to the requirements for a practitioner to attain full enlightenment as a Buddha that she appears in a tantric formulation of the Buddhist Three Jewels refuge formula known as the Three Roots. Most commonly she appears as the protector, alongside a guru and yidam (enlightened being).<br/><br/> Although dakini figures appear in Hinduism and in the Bön tradition, dakini are particularly prevalent in Vajrayana Buddhism and have been particularly conceived in Tibetan Buddhism where the dakini, generally of volatile or wrathful temperament, act somewhat as a muse for spiritual practice.<br/><br/> Dakini are energetic beings in female form, evocative of the movement of energy in space. In this context, the sky or space indicates shunyata, the insubstantiality of all phenomena, which is, at the same time, the pure potentiality for all possible manifestations.
The Sassanid Empire (also spelled Sasanid Empire, Sassanian Empire, or Sasanian Empire), known to its inhabitants as Ä’rÄnshahr and Ä’rÄn in Middle Persian and resulting in the New Persian terms Iranshahr and Iran, was the last pre-Islamic Persian Empire, ruled by the Sasanian Dynasty from 224 to 651. The Sassanid Empire, which succeeded the Parthian Empire, was recognized as one of the two main powers in Western Asia and Europe, alongside the Roman Empire and its successor, the Byzantine Empire, for a period of more than 400 years.<br/><br/> The Sassanid Empire was founded by Ardashir I, after the fall of the Arsacid Empire and the defeat of the last Arsacid king, Artabanus IV. It lasted until Yazdegerd III lost control of his empire in a series of invasions from the Arab Caliphate. During its existence, the Sassanid Empire encompassed all of today's Iran, Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, the Caucasus (Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Dagestan), southwestern Central Asia, part of Turkey, certain coastal parts of the Arabian Peninsula, the Persian Gulf area, and areas of southwestern Pakistan, even stretching into India.<br/><br/> The Sassanid capital was at Ctessiphon, and the main religion was Zoroastrianism.