Deva, devata
(P., Skt.)
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[thep, thewa, thewada (Th.)] : A heavenly being or angel inhabiting the six lower heavens of Buddhist cosmology, that is, heavens of sensual
pleasures (Chakamavacaradevaloka); frequently seen in Thai art in a worshipping posture.
Ref: An outline of the History of Religious Architecture in Thailand - Sonthiwan Intralib (1991).
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Dusit
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The "joyful heaven," is the fourth Dewa heaven above the earth. The name is derived from the Sanskrit “Tush”, free translated “to be
content”; explained by the Thai as meaning, "that in which all desires are satisfied." It is the heaven in which the almost perfect beings, about
to become Buddhas, pass their last angelic life before being born on earth to assume the Buddha hood. In the Tushita heaven grows the
Karaphruk-tree, which produces as its fruit everything that can be desired by the angels - gold and silver, precious raiment, and jewels, and
all that is beautiful and useful.
Ref: The Wheel of the Law - Alabaster Henry (1871) - Page 177.
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Dvarapala
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Dvarapala or the guardian of the temple normally appeared on the door panels of an ubosot, a wihan or a palace whether by carving,
painting, engraving or lacquering. The original images were fierce and powerful in order to scare away demons. They were also considered
auspicious beings with the power to bless worshippers. Dvarapala can be in the form of animals such as lion, naga, demons, devas or
female heavenly beings, or human holding weapons.
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