At the outermost corners on the outside of the Ananda Phaya (fig.) in Bagan, are large stone statues of chintha, Burmese-style mythical lions believed to be the protectors of the dhamma.

These lions are also found in large numbers on the roof, thus representing all-around protection.

Besides those, the entrances are on the outside also protected by human-like door guardians, in addition to the sentinels watching over the inner sanctum on the inside (fig.), thus making protection complete.

See TRAVEL PICTURES (1) and (2), as well as THAILAND'S NEIGHBOURS and BEYOND.

21°10'15.4"N 94°52'03.7"E