Fruit bats fell from the sky and died after their homes -- giant trees that had stood for generations in a temple compound -- were cut down on the abbot's orders. Public anger was swift and justified.
Traditionally, temples are regarded as khet aphai than -- sanctuaries where life is protected. For centuries, temple grounds have provided refuge not only for people but also for trees, birds, bats and countless other living creatures. In many communities, old temple compounds preserved pockets of nature long after they had disappeared elsewhere.
