Thepphanom

Thepphanom or thephanom (Thai: เทพนม, pronounced [tʰêppʰa.nōm]) is a Thai term referring to the depiction in paintings or traditional Thai patterns of a devata performing the Añjali Mudrā hand gesture. The term is also the name of moves in muay Thai and traditional Thai dance.^[1]

Thephanom also refers to an angel or deity who is a temple protector and guardian.^{[citation needed]} They are often represented as a pair, a brother and a sister, kneeling on both knees with hands at the wai position, praying or offering respect.^{[citation needed]} The Thepanom first came to earth when Buddha reached enlightenment. They became Buddha's protector, then guardian of religious temples and artifacts such as scrolls.^{[citation needed]} The definition of Thepanom was arrived at by reading descriptions of Thepanom statues and communicating with Thai people.^{[citation needed]}

References

1. Royal Institute of Thailand. พจนานุกรมฉบับราชบัณฑิตยสถาน พ.ศ. 2554 [Royal Institute Dictionary, B.E. 2554] (in Thai).