Singha

Singha are the lion-like beasts that act as guardians to temple entrances.

Singha are particularly popular in the north and indicate a Burmese influence.

In some temples the figure of a woman may be seen in the mouth. In the time of the Buddha this woman was collecting the fruit of a banyan (Indian fig) tree that hold particularly sweet fruits. A jealous Singha who guarded the tree for himself was about to devour the woman when she complained that anyone had the rights to the fruit. The matter was taken to the Buddha who judged that the woman was right and commanded the Singha to release her.