Description
Wat Phon Ngam (วัดโพนงาม), which means Temple of the Beautiful Drum, is also called Wat Burapha Phirom (วัดบูรพาภิรมย์). It is a small village temple not far from Wat Song Pracharam. Both temples are recognized for their distinctive Naga dragons. Wat Phon Ngam has long, colorful Naga dragons that surround the Ubosot, as well as one guarding the sacred bell tower.
At the bell tower there is also what looks like Nagas flanking the stairway. But these elongated gold figures are not Naga but what are called "Mom" (ตัวมอม). Moms are mythical creatures that are common in Lanna art — Lanna being the language and culture of Northern Thailand. However, Mom symbolism isn't restricted to Chiang Mai and the Northern Region. You can also find the figures in Northeastern Thailand (Isaan) and Laos.
Moms are often depicted as being part lion and part dragon. But, as you can see at Wat Phon Ngam, they are also represented as a mixture of a reptile (or gecko) with other animal features, which can include dogs, cats, lemurs, and monkeys. The key characteristics that all share are elongated bodies (like a snake or reptile) and feet and tails.
Moms are considered to be demi-gods of great power. Both scary and playful, they become incarnate to help humans, especially during eras of distress and upheaval. In Sakon Nakhon and surrounding provinces, Moms are especially viewed as symbols of good fortune, and can be seen in ancient paintings as a tattoo.
At Wat Phon Ngam (aka Wat Burapha Phirom), you can also see two small gold chedis atop an old abandoned Viharn, as well as a classroom with a number of Buddhas, and several lifelike sculptures of monks who are revered by the temple.
