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This is the official emblem of the Fine Arts Department. This has a sitting Bhagwan Ganesha as the patron of fine arts.
But, this is in Thailand and not India!
In India, such a representation would endanger secularism.
But, this is in Thailand and not India!
In India, such a representation would endanger secularism.
What is the national emblem of Thailand?
A Garuda, the vehicle of Bhagwan Vishnu. I will add a few more things about Hindu influence in Thailand in this thread.
A Garuda, the vehicle of Bhagwan Vishnu. I will add a few more things about Hindu influence in Thailand in this thread.
This is the Chakra of Sri Vishnu and Trushula of Bhagwan Shiva.
Both are combined in an emblem of the Royal dynasty of Thailand, the Chakri Dyansty.
Both are combined in an emblem of the Royal dynasty of Thailand, the Chakri Dyansty.
Th Chakri dynasty was established in 1782 by a King named "Phra Phutthayotfa Chulalok Maharaj". What is he commonly known as?
Rama I
All Kings of Thailand since then are known as Rama followed by a number.
Who is the current King?
Rama X
Yes, the same Bhagwan Rama.
Rama I
All Kings of Thailand since then are known as Rama followed by a number.
Who is the current King?
Rama X
Yes, the same Bhagwan Rama.
Bhagwan Rama has a very important place in Thailand. Not only is his name taken by the Kings, but his story, the Thai Ramayana, called "Ramakien" or "Glory of Rama" is The National Epic of Thailand.
It has same characters, similar story and has huge influence on Thai Culture.
It has same characters, similar story and has huge influence on Thai Culture.
However, the influence of Sri Rama on Thailand goes before Chakri Dynasty.
Before Chakri dynasty, the Kingdom that ruled Thailand was called Kingdom of Aytthaya i.e. Kingdom of Ayodhya!
The first King was Ramathibodi I in 1350. Many other kings in the line were called Rama!
Before Chakri dynasty, the Kingdom that ruled Thailand was called Kingdom of Aytthaya i.e. Kingdom of Ayodhya!
The first King was Ramathibodi I in 1350. Many other kings in the line were called Rama!
Incidentally, Ramathibodi I once conquered the capital of the Amarendrapura Empire called Yasodharapura.
Where is this place?
Yasodharapura is same as Angkor, known for Angkor Wat and Amarendrapura is now known as Khmer Empire.
Where is this place?
Yasodharapura is same as Angkor, known for Angkor Wat and Amarendrapura is now known as Khmer Empire.
Lavo Kingdom is from fifth century. So, there were links between India and Thailand at least since then.
Parallel with Lavo, was the Kingdom of Dvarawati in Thailand. A few kings are : Suryavikrama (673-688), Harivikrama (688-695), Sihavikrama (695-718)
Founder : Bhagadatta
Parallel with Lavo, was the Kingdom of Dvarawati in Thailand. A few kings are : Suryavikrama (673-688), Harivikrama (688-695), Sihavikrama (695-718)
Founder : Bhagadatta
Those who have read Mahabharata would know that Bhagadatta was son of Narakasura and an enemy of Sri Krishna. He lead the Chinas and Kiratas from Pragjyotisha and fought against Pandavas.
He had an elephant Supratika, and defeated Bhima, but was killed by Arjuna.
He had an elephant Supratika, and defeated Bhima, but was killed by Arjuna.
Combodia, a neighbor was at that time ruled by Hindu Saivite Khmer Empire and called Kambuja Desa.
But let us return to Thailand. Is Rama the only Hindu God prominent there?
No.
Chachoengsao is known as the "city of Ganesha in Thailand"!
But let us return to Thailand. Is Rama the only Hindu God prominent there?
No.
Chachoengsao is known as the "city of Ganesha in Thailand"!
This is at the "Phrong Akat Temple". The murti is the tallest sitting Ganesha in Thailand at 49 meters!
This is the tallest Ganesh Murti anywhere in the world!
This is the tallest Ganesh Murti anywhere in the world!
In the same city is the 39 meters high standing Ganesha at "Khlong Khuean Ganesh International Park".
This is the tallest Bronze statue of Ganesha everywhere and the second tallest Ganesha murti in the world.
This is the tallest Bronze statue of Ganesha everywhere and the second tallest Ganesha murti in the world.
This is not all.Thailand has lot of Hindu Temples and preserves many rituals that are not practiced anymore in India.
For example, the ploughing of field by King is a famous episode in Ramayana{Janaka and birth of Sita} and Buddha's life.
This is still practiced in Thailand!
For example, the ploughing of field by King is a famous episode in Ramayana{Janaka and birth of Sita} and Buddha's life.
This is still practiced in Thailand!
