(CM--49a). Delicate roof detail of Wat Phra Sing, a Buddhist temple in Chiang Mai, Thailand. There are many Buddhist temples in Chiang Mai area as there are a grand total of 130. Like all building structures within a specific faith, the architecture is similar. One temple looks much like another, but all are spectacular with their colorful tile peaked roofs, gold paint trim and intricate carving. The entrances to most Buddhist temples are guarded by a pair of nagas (dragons) to ward off evil spirits. Usually the tails of these two dragons will intertwine perfectly over the doorway. Carved golden mythical snake Naga's flank stairs leading up to the rear of the viharn and golden Chedi stupa's, The Naga is a deity, a king cobra hooded, found in Buddhism as well as Hinduism. This type of building is called a ubosot, have a look at the has ornate carvings around its doors and stucco patterns on the wooden pillars. A Buddha statue is placed in a recessed altar at the centre of doorway.
