The circular, spiral dot often seen on Buddhist images and the like in the general area of Laos, Tha
The circular, spiral dot often seen on Buddhist images and the like in the general area of Laos, Thailand, etc. is called the Urna. It symbolizes the third eye and a spiritual, religious symbol. Many generally thought that it was a whorl of hair. This is more commonly seen in Indianized regions like Southeast Asia. In Laos, any forehead decoration like the bindi is called “hindu” due to the previous South Asian and Hindu influence the Lao regions was once under before Buddhism was introduced. Not only does the Urna appeared on Buddha’s forehead in Laos, but also of the head of King Kabinlaphom’s / Thammaban Khuman‘s / Brahma’s head during the Lao New Year pageant seen in the first photo. This is also seen in parade-goers’ foreheads (3rd photo) during Lao New Year as they dressed as spiritual deities and other mythological creatures. -- source link
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