makara

Makara is a mythological aquatic creature found in Hindu and Buddhist traditions. In Sanskrit, makara broadly means a sea creature, and the figure is commonly depicted as a composite of features such as a crocodile or dragon head with a fish-like or serpentine body. Variations exist across regions, but the makara is typically portrayed as a powerful water being associated with rivers and the sea.

Symbolism and roles: The makara is linked to water, fertility, and abundance in religious art and literature. In Hindu iconography, the creature often serves as the vahana (vehicle) of the river goddess Ganga in temple depictions, and in some traditions is associated with Varuna, the god of the oceans. Beyond its mythic personifications, the makara functions as a protective and auspicious motif in architecture, frequently appearing at temple entrances, on balustrades, and near water features.

Regional and cultural influence: The makara motif is widespread in Indian art and architecture and has notable presence in Southeast Asian traditions, including Khmer and Javanese sculpture, where it appears as a guardian figure in temples and water-related iconography. In Hindu astrology, the term makara is used for the zodiac sign Capricorn (Makara Rasi), representing approximately late December to January, and reflects a cultural association of the creature with the sea and cosmic order.

Overall, Makara exemplifies the symbolic convergence of water, protection, and cosmic symbolism in South and Southeast Asian artistic and religious contexts.