This large cast bronze platform with a concave image is known as Buddhapada, a stylised image of Buddha's footprint, an important Buddhist symbol of Buddha's presence. In the middle is a Dhammachakra (Wheel of Law), symbolic of Buddha’s teachings. It is surrounded by 108 symbols of good omens, horoscope animals and royal insignia. During the Sukhothai period, symbolic elements were thought to represent the different realms of Buddhist cosmology. The Buddhapada was one of the earliest non-iconic representations of the Buddha. In mainland Southeast Asia, Buddhapada and other sacred relics were distributed by rulers to establish their realm of authority. Today, they are usually placed near temple entrances as protection against the effects of bad karma.
