Makara : The Elephant Crocodile

A large and powerful dragon-like creature known as the Makara can be found carved from the walls and gateways of various temples and shrines in Indonesia, Thailand, and Bali. Its numerous teeth and bulging eyes scare away evil spirits. Various versions of the Makara are found in Indian, Thai, Cambodian, Sri Lankan and other South East Asian mythologies.

The Makara is regarded as an important deity in Buddhist and Hindu temple iconography, as it can protect various areas of the shrine, such as the entrance and throne rooms. It can also appear as a Gargoyle or a spout connected to a natural spring. In Hindu astrology, Makara is equivalent to the Zodiac sign Capricorn.

This mythical creature is referred to as a sea creature that's made up of various parts, such as an elephant, a crocodile, and a serpent. Usually, statues of the Makara feature a 5-headed Naga carved into its mouth. The snake or Naga is often shown to be being swallowed by the angry Makara or crocodile. The head of the Makara is usually shown as an elephant's trunk with 3 ruffs on the side.

Read more at https://mythlok.com/makara/