An archive of mythical creatures

KINNAYA

The mythical bird of Myanmar

                         .-.
                        /   \
                       | o o |
                       |  ^  |
                        \_-_/
                    .----| |----.
               ____/     | |     \____
             .'    \     | |     /    '.
            /       \    | |    /       \
           /   /\    \   | |   /    /\   \
          /___/  \____\  | |  /____/  \___\
               .--------' '--------.
              /       /       \       \
             /       /         \       \
            /_______/           \_______\
                 /      ___      \
                /_____.-'   '-._____\
                    /     |     \
                   /      |      \
                  /_______|_______\
                     /   / \   \
                    /___/   \___/

              K I N N A Y A   //   M Y A N M A R

Who is Kinnaya?

Kinnaya is a mythical being from the cultural and Buddhist traditions of Myanmar. The figure combines a human head and upper body with the wings, feathers, and lower body of a bird.

The male figure is commonly called Kinnaya or Kinnara, while the female counterpart is known as Kinnari. They often appear together as graceful celestial beings.

Symbolism

Form Part human and part bird.

Character Gentle, elegant, and peaceful.

Arts Associated with music, song, and dance.

Meaning A symbol of beauty, devotion, and harmony.

Between the human world and the open sky, Kinnaya represents a harmony of spirit, nature, music, and faithful love.

In Myanmar

Kinnaya and Kinnari can be found in traditional stories, sculpture, painting, ornament, and dance. Their feathered forms are often shown wearing elaborate clothing and ceremonial headdresses.

Although Kinnaya belongs to a wider family of Asian mythological bird-people, the Burmese interpretation has its own recognizable artistic style and place in Myanmar culture.