thepphanom

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Thepphanom or thephanom ({{langx|th|เทพนม}}, {{IPA|th|tʰêppʰa.nōm|pron}}) is a Thai term referring to the depiction in paintings or traditional Thai patterns of a devata performing the Añjali Mudrā hand gesture. The term is also the name of moves in muay Thai and traditional Thai dance.{{cite book|author1=Royal Institute of Thailand|title=พจนานุกรมฉบับราชบัณฑิตยสถาน พ.ศ. 2554|trans-title=Royal Institute Dictionary, B.E. 2554|language=Thai}}

Thephanom also refers to an angel or deity who is a temple protector and guardian.{{citation needed|date=October 2016}} They are often represented as a pair, a brother and a sister, kneeling on both knees with hands at the wai position, praying or offering respect.{{citation needed|date=October 2016}} The Thepanom first came to earth when Buddha reached enlightenment. They became Buddha's protector, then guardian of religious temples and artifacts such as scrolls.{{citation needed|date=October 2016}}

The definition of Thepanom was arrived at by reading descriptions of Thepanom statues and communicating with Thai people.{{citation needed|date=October 2016}}