Posts

Traiphum Phra Ruang

By -
Image
The Traiphum Phra Ruang, a seminal work of Thai Buddhist cosmology, is a testament to the rich spiritual and literary heritage of 14th-century Siam. Composed around 1345 CE by King Li Thai (Maha Thammaracha I), this ancient text holds the distinction of being the oldest known piece of Thai literature, and it profoundly shaped the religious and political landscape of the region for centuries to come. At its core, the Traiphum Phra Ruang presents a comprehensive vision of the universe, meticulously detailing the structure and inhabitants of three distinct worlds: the sensual realm, the form realm, and the formless realm. This intricate cosmological framework serves as a foundation for understanding the complex interplay between karma, rebirth, and spiritual progression. The sensual realm, as described in the text, encompasses a wide spectrum of existence, from the depths of hellish suffering to the relative comfort of the human world. Within this realm, beings are subject to the pus...
Post a Comment
Read more

Phraya Kalavarnadishraj / Bhavavarman I

By -
Image
Bhavavarman I, also known by the title Phraya Kalavarnadishraj, was the reigning king of Chenla in or around 550 CE. His reign marked a pivotal period in the region’s political history because Chenla would later evolve to become the powerful Khmer Empire. While the exact dates of his rule remain uncertain, Bhavavarman’s impact on the geopolitical dynamics of the region is undeniable. Born of royal blood, Bhavavarman I was the grandson of a king of Funan, a well-established and influential kingdom in what is now modern-day Cambodia. This connection to Funan would play a crucial role in shaping Bhavavarman’s reign and the future of Chenla. The complex relationship between these two kingdoms would become a defining feature of his rule and the subsequent political developments in the region. Bhavavarman’s ascension to the throne of Chenla coincided with a period of significant change and upheaval in the region. The young king faced numerous challenges, both internal and external. The ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Maha Thammaracha IV

By -
Image
Maha Thammaracha IV, born as Borommapan, was the last king of the Sukhothai Kingdom, marking the end of an era in Thai history. His reign came at a tumultuous time for the kingdom, as internal strife and external pressures from neighboring powers threatened the stability and the independence of the kingdom. The story of Maha Thammaracha IV’s ascension to the throne is one of conflict and intervention. In 1419, following the death of King Sai Lue Thai, a succession crisis erupted between his sons, Phaya Ram and Phaya Ban Mueang. The two brothers, each claiming their right to rule, plunged the kingdom into a state of civil unrest. This internal struggle caught the attention of Intharacha, the ambitious ruler of the rising Ayutthaya Kingdom to the south. Seeing an opportunity to expand his influence, Intharacha intervened in the Sukhothai succession dispute. Rather than supporting one claimant over the other, he devised a solution that would ultimately benefit Ayutthaya. Intharacha d...
Post a Comment
Read more

Maha Thammaracha III

By -
Image
Maha Thammaracha III, born as Sai Luthai, was a prominent ruler of the Sukhothai Kingdom, whose reign left an indelible mark on the history of ancient Thailand. As the son of Maha Thammaracha II and a descendant of the legendary King Ram Khamhaeng the Great, Sai Luthai’s life and reign are somewhat shrouded in secrecy, with much of our knowledge derived from stone inscriptions commissioned by his mother. The queen mother, who held significant influence during her son’s reign, referred to herself by various impressive titles in these inscriptions. In the Asokārāma stone inscription, she was known as “Saṃtec Braḥ Rājadebī Srī Cuḷālakṣana Arrgarājamahesī Debadhòranī Tilakaratana”, while in stone inscription 46, she was called “Saṃtec Braḥ Rājajananī Srī Dharmarājamātā Mahātilakaraṭana Rājanārtha”. These grandiose titles reflect her importance and is in indication of the power she wielded within the royal court. Sai Luthai’s lineage was deeply intertwined with the ruling dynasty of Su...
Post a Comment
Read more

Maha Thammaracha II

By -
Image
Maha Thammaracha II, also known as Lue Thai, was a prominent ruler of the Sukhothai Kingdom who reigned from approximately 1358 to 1399. As the son of Le Thai, he ascended to the throne following his father’s death, and became one of the most influential monarchs in Sukhothai’s history. His reign was characterized by a profound commitment to Buddhism, which was reflected in his royal title “Thammaracha”, meaning “Great Dharmic King”. Lue Thai’s dedication to Buddhism was not merely a matter of personal faith but a cornerstone of his reign. He actively sought to promote and spread Buddhist teachings throughout his kingdom and beyond. Recognizing the importance of spiritual leadership, he sent priests to neighboring states to disseminate Buddhist doctrines and practices. This initiative not only expanded the reach of Buddhism but also strengthened diplomatic ties with other kingdoms. In addition to sending emissaries abroad, Maha Thammaracha II also invited foreign Buddhist leaders ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Maha Thammaracha I

By -
Image
Maha Thammaracha I, also known as Li Thai, was a prominent figure in the history of the Sukhothai Kingdom, reigning as king from approximately 1347 until his death in 1368. Born into royalty, he was the son of King Loe Thai and the grandson of the renowned Ram Khamhaeng the Great. Li Thai’s ascension to the throne is shrouded in some uncertainty, with popular tradition naming him as the fourth king of Sukhothai. However, dynastic records suggest a more complex succession, indicating that at least one other ruler, Ngua Nam Thum, may have reigned between Li Thai and his father. Additionally, a regent named Phaya Sai Songkhram is believed to have governed during Loe Thai’s absence following the death of Ram Khamhaeng. Before assuming the throne, Li Thai served as Upparat, or viceroy, during his father’s reign. He governed from the city of Si Satchanalai, which was a significant urban center in the early Sukhothai Kingdom. This experience likely prepared him for his future role as king ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Jayavarman III

By -
Image
Jayavarman III, also known as Vishnuloka, is the second Devaraja or the second god-king in the Angkorian line. He remains one of the more mysterious figures in the annals of Khmer history. There is no doubt that he succeeded his father, Jayavarman II, as the second ruler of Angkor, but he left behind a legacy shrouded in mystery. Very little is known about this enigmatic king, whose reign is often overshadowed by the more illustrious rulers who came before and after him. The scarcity of historical records from Jayavarman III’s rule has left historians grappling with fragments of information, piecing together a narrative that is more conjecture than fact. What we do know comes primarily from inscriptions and archaeological evidence, that offer tantalizing glimpses into his life and reign. One of the few concrete details we have about Jayavarman III’s lineage comes from a later king, Yasovarman I, who claimed a familial connection to the royal line. According to Yasovarman’s asserti...
Post a Comment
Read more