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.
A photograph bearing the false label "Payanak. Queen of the Nagas, seized by American
Army at Mekong River, Laos Military Base on June 27, 1973" has been widely distributed in
Laos, Thailand, and elsewhere. The photo in question actually is of a freshly dead oarfish,
Regalecus glesne, stranded on Coronado Island, California, on September 19, 1996.
Key words: ichthyolatry; fish worshipping; ophiolatry; snake worshipping; bang fai payanak
(naga fireballs); Phimeanakas naga cult; "Terrace of the Leper King"; gajasimha