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.