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ARCHITECTURE & ICONOGRAPHY

 

 

 

  chattra (plih) on temple roof

 

Thailand

The chattra (fig.), a multi-layered umbrella is in Northern Thailand often placed in the middle of temple roofs, in between the two topmost chofas (fig.).

 

It symbolises the respect for Buddhism and refers to the royal origin of the Buddha. When used as an ornament on top of a building, the chat or umbrella is actually referred to as plih.

 

  chattra (plih) on temple roof