The mythical animal payanak is represented in roofing ornaments, statuary and paintings
in Buddhist temples throughout Cambodia, Thailand and Laos. It usually has a single dragonlike
head, with a horn on the snout and a beard-like projection from the chin, and a long,
limbless snake- or fish-like body covered with scales. Although often referred to as a naga, it
is derived from the "elephant-lion" or gajasimha of the Khmer king Suryavarrnan II (reigned
1113-ca 1150). The payanak is associated with numerous popular accounts and legends of
Thailand and Laos and is frequently portrayed in the popular as well as temple art of these
countries.