The stupa and prang are physically different because they have different architectural origins. The stupa found in Thailand today had its origin in India. has a bell-shaped cental body with a tapering spire. On the other hand the prang found in Thai emples today is derived from the Khmer tower, which resembles a com cob. However the Thai prang was adapted to suit local ideals. Thai prangs are slender in appearance with decorative clements such as monkey bearers or garuda layers. Besides the Garuda, there is a multi-pronged finial or a nopasu on the top of the prang, which represents the weapon of Shiva, a Hindu god.