Its symbolic representation in the form of a makara head at the corner of temple roofs is as water element which also functions as a "rainwater spout or gargoyle". It is also seen as water spouts at the source of a spring. The artistic carving in stone is in the form of identical pair of makaras flanked by two Nāgas (snake gods) along with a crown of Garuda, which is called the "kirtimukha" face. Such depictions are also seen at the entrance of wooden doorways as the top arch and also as a torana behind Buddha's images.