Payanak is Thai word mean Naga. People believe that Naga is god. The appearance of Naga are full of power. Besides Naga can impersonate to be human. Naga is ascetic and give alms. He lives in nether world city.
The Naga live in paradises beneath the rivers, lakes and seas. They control the sources of rain and are the guardians of life-giving energy in its waters. On the balustrades to temples they represent both the rising of water to the heavens and the down pouring of rain from the sky. Thus they are powerful symbols in a culture based on wet-rice cultivation.
According to belief of Oriental people, it is to believe that Naga and Dragon are scared article and powerful. Hindus believe that Naga close to any gods.
Crest of Naga is the symbol of mightiness, richness and luck.
For Thai people, we always see the symbol of Naga in forms of painting, sculpture and handicraft. Naga Legend is an inspiration of Thai architecture especially for buildings, Wat, King building and religious place. Regarding to Thai Tradition, it is to believe that great Naga, Sadung Naga, is appropriate for magnificent institution.
Naga is miraculous animal which have special property is that it can impersonate. Naga has a supernatural power
and its life is similar to human’s.
Thus, Naga is full of supernatural power. Thais believe in amulets that have form of Naga. Thais believe that wearing these amulets will receive power from Naga in protection from the bad things and turn the owner’s fate into good luck.
The Naga live in paradises beneath the rivers, lakes and seas. They control the sources of rain and are the guardians of life-giving energy in its waters. On the balustrades to temples they represent both the rising of water to the heavens and the down pouring of rain from the sky. Thus they are powerful symbols in a culture based on wet-rice cultivation.
According to belief of Oriental people, it is to believe that Naga and Dragon are scared article and powerful. Hindus believe that Naga close to any gods.
Crest of Naga is the symbol of mightiness, richness and luck.
For Thai people, we always see the symbol of Naga in forms of painting, sculpture and handicraft. Naga Legend is an inspiration of Thai architecture especially for buildings, Wat, King building and religious place. Regarding to Thai Tradition, it is to believe that great Naga, Sadung Naga, is appropriate for magnificent institution.
Naga is miraculous animal which have special property is that it can impersonate. Naga has a supernatural power
and its life is similar to human’s.
Thus, Naga is full of supernatural power. Thais believe in amulets that have form of Naga. Thais believe that wearing these amulets will receive power from Naga in protection from the bad things and turn the owner’s fate into good luck.
Naga Fireballs Festival - Bang fai phaya nak
This festival celebrates one of Thailand’s most curious natural phenomena – the Naga Fireballs of Nong Khai. Taking place during the full moon of the final day of Buddhist Lent, small balls of fire rise from the Mekong River and plunge upwards of 300 metres into the night sky. The fireballs appear as eerie blobs of red, blue, pink or green light that hang in the air for around 10 seconds. This fascinating spectacle has spiritual overtones manifested by the crowds and the presence of chanting monks. Folk lore suggests beneath this part of the Mekong River is the spirit world of the Naga. The events of the festival spur the Naga to leave their habitat and join in on the celebrations that commemorate the return of Lord Buddha. The fireballs form steps on which the Lord Buddha descends from heaven.
If you have a chance to go there, this should not be missed. Alongside the fireballs themselves visitors are treated to a range of activities including floats and illuminated boat processions. The fireballs can be viewed from 18:00 to 02:00 but it is should be noted that although sometimes there are thousands of fireballs, on other occasions there might be only 20 or so the whole evening. Despite this, a good time is guaranteed.Many Nagas who live in Mekong River will congratulate by lighting firework for offering the Buddha. People call “Bangfaiphayanak”.
The majority area that occur of this phenomenon is Mekhong River especially in Amphur Phonpisai, Amphur Pakkad, Amphur Sangkhom, Amphur Sri Chiangmai and Amphur Buengkan which located in Nongkhai Province.
The fireballs have been seen for centuries and are most often reported around the night of Wan Awk Pansa - the end of the Buddhist rains retreat - in October, although displays have also been reported in March, April, May, June and September.