Hanuman battles demon blocking river (Thai Ramayana mural)

Hanuman battles a giant demon in the current of a river, as seen in a mural at the Emerald Buddha Temple.Wielding a trident dagger in his left hand, a huge white Hanuman steps on the shoulder of a giant green-skinned demon fallen in the river. The demon was sent by Ravana to dam the river water needed by Hanuman for an herbal potion to save Laksman's life.

The fanged green demon holds himself up by his left arm from the rushing water, while the attacking Hanuman points his index finger directly into the demon's face. Both foes are of equal size and dressed in Siamese royal clothes and jewelry. The light blue river is shown from the front center to the back of the scene, vanishing around a bend in the background landscape.

Small figures of local people are seen running along the river banks watching the battle of these giants crossing their lush rural lands. Blue-tinted mountains and thick swirling clouds are visible above the river horizon in the far background.

In the Ramayana story, Hanuman must collect the river water for Laksman's potion before the sun's rays emerge from behind the clouds at dawn. Hanuman kills the demon in order to release the water's flow. Once the water and special herbs are obtained by Hanuman, the potion is successfully made and applied to Laksman's wound. Laksman then recovers quickly, much to the dismay of Ravana and his brother who wounded him with the poisoned spear in battle.