Hemaraj

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The hemaraj (Thai: เหมราช) is a creature found in Thai and possibly South Asian mythology.

It is said to be the combination of a hem (an ill-defined creature in and of itself; usually likened to a swan but sometimes depicted more like a crocodile) and a lion.[1] [2]

See also[edit]

  • Wat Nanchang, an archaeological site in northern Thailand at which a stucco hemaraj was discovered.

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Hemaraj". Hemaraj is a mixed lion between a Hem and a Lion. The word "Hemaraj" is a combined word from "Hem" and "Raja". It's hard to describe what a "Hem" is. Some say Hem is much like a Hong (Swan) but in some depictions the head of a Hem looks more like crocodile's.
  2. ^ Public sign erected by the Thailand government's Fine Art Department explaining the archaeological discoveries at Wat Nanchang, Wiang Kum Kam, northern Thailand and photographed in August 2014.