Culture can have different connotative and denotative meanings, no matter which one you prefer, there is one thing that is common in all, and that is us, the people. As humans, we tend to promote and propagate ideas that align with our thought processes. Culture, in this way, transcends the borders and resides within the hearts of men and women influenced by it, who later play a pivotal role in its propagation. 

One example of such cultural amalgamation is the Indo-Thai culture, and both nations have been influencing each other for centuries. The cultural cross-pollination has made it possible for Indian temples to exist in Thailand and Thai monasteries that you can visit in India.

Buddhism is inevitably connected to Indo-Thai relations and is indispensable to both cultures. In 1957, Buddhist monks collaborated with the Indian and Thai Governments to establish the Thai temples and monasteries in Gaya to spread Buddhism among the masses. The Thai Buddhist temple and monastery in Gaya are among the many such monuments of religious significance and are famous for their exquisite cultural experience. Gaya, one of the Indian holy cities, professes Buddhist ideology and culture with all its purity.

Gaya is a holy city situated on the bank of the Falgu River in the northeast Indian state of Bihar. People from around the world visit this holy city for its enriching religious and cultural experience. This monastery is a fine example of Thai architecture and displays myriad colours representing the unique Thai –culture. The residing monks play a pivotal role in spreading Lord Buddha’s ideologies. The temple boasts an enormous bronze structure, and the walls adorn magnificent paintings of Buddha. Every year people participate in a silent retreat organized by the monastery, where people practice meditation and yoga in complete silence.

So next time you plan to go on a spiritual journey, visit this beautiful Thai- temple and monastery in Gaya. It is an idyllic place for those seeking inner peace and enlightenment.

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“Quiz on Buddhism” by Embassy of India, Bangkok and Ministry of Tourism, Government of India

Buddhism Pick Courtesy: AzaToth Assumed, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

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Thailand adopted Indian religions, traditions, languages, and rites. Buddhism became one of the major religions in Thailand, embraced by approximately 93% of its population. Ceremonial Brahminical religion and tradition also found their way into Thailand’s life and culture; people began to go to temples and attend Brahminical rites and practices. Hindu temples flourished in Thailand.

Today we will talk about one such famous Hindu temple in Thailand- Sri Maha Mariamman, one of the principal Hindu temples located on Silom road in the centre of Bangkok. It is also known as Wat Khaek or Uma Devi temple, and the main deity is Goddess Mariamman or Mother Mari. Considered the epitome of power, she is an incarnation of the goddess Shakti. Goddess Mariamman has an essential place in Tamil culture in the rural population, especially for the farmers, as the goddess of rain and fertility. A trident-wielding young woman is a typical representation of her. This famous Hindu temple in Bangkok is a fine example of the Dravidian architectural style of temple building.

Ancient Indian temple architecture belongs to two genres: Nagara from the North and Dravida from the South. The Pallavas, who ruled the Indian parts of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and the northern region of Tamil Nadu, were considered the originators of the Dravidian style of architecture. Sri Maha Mariamman temple in Bangkok follows the Dravidian style of architecture born in the South Indian states.

Essential features of this brilliant style of architecture are: 

• An enclosed compound wall surrounds the temple.
• Gopuram: This is a monumental tower at the entrance of the temple.
• Vimana: It is the structure over Garbhagriha. It is a stepped pyramid that rises geometrically without any curve.
• Garbhagriha: It is the sanctum sanctorum or the innermost sanctuary of the temple.
• Shikhara: Crowning element at the top of the temple in an octagonal copula shape.
• Dvarpalas: They are present at the temple entrance and are considered the temple’s guardians.
• Temple Tank: Usually found within the compound in the Dravidian style of architecture.
• Subsidiary shrines: Can be located within or beside the temple’s central tower.

So, the next time you visit this alluring temple, take a little time to take in the awe-aspiring grandeur of this thousand-year-old architecture. Enjoy your visit and let yourself be mesmerised by its aesthetical architectural beauty.

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Thailand’s Century of Truth is Made of Special Architecture

Dravidian Architecture Pick courtesy: Bajirao1007, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

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It is not a public holiday but is celebrated nationwide when people gather around lakes, rivers, and canals to release floating lanterns or Krathongs on waterways.

When is Loy Krathong Festival celebrated?

Loy Krathong Festival is celebrated on the evening of the 12th full moon of the Thai lunar calendar. It usually falls in the month of November, according to the Western calendar.  Therefore, the Loy Kratong date is not fixed. It changes every year depending on the full moon.

In 2022, it will take place on the evening of 8th November.

What is the meaning of Loy Krathong?

The word loy in Thai means ‘to float’ and krathong translates to ‘basket or boat’, so the meaning of Loy Krathong is ‘float a basket’.

A krathong is a small lotus-shaped boat traditionally made from banana leaves and decorated with flowers. In the center of the Krathong, there are traditionally 3 sticks of incense and a lit candle, and other things like hair and coins.

As its name implies, on the evening of the festival, Thai people gather around rivers, lakes, and canals to release lotus-shaped baskets.

Why is Loy Krathong celebrated?

Loy Krathong, which originated in the ancient Sukhothai Kingdom around 800 years ago, is celebrated to pay respect to and thank the Goddess of Water (called Pra Mae Khongkha) for a year’s worth of her abundant supply, ask for an apology for polluting the waters, and pay respect to the Buddha.

Nowadays, it is also a way to get rid of negativity gathered during the previous year and welcome good fortune in the coming year.

How do people celebrate Loy Krathong Festival today?

Traditionally Thai people will begin the festival by making their Krathongs at home with friends and family, although many do also buy them from local shops.

At nightfall, everyone heads to waterways or temples where religious rituals will take place and the Krathongs are released.

Today, Loy Krathong is celebrated across Thailand. The festival includes firework shows, competitions to build the largest and most extravagant Krathongs, and beauty competitions called Noppamas Queen Contests.

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It is a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu known as Venkateshwara or Balaji. Around 50,000 people visit to worship the Lord each day. The number is huge, and so is the offerings made by the devotees. You will be surprised to know, that this temple is one of the richest temples in India. Well, this is not it! While having a closer look of the Lord Vishnu, you will notice that the deity has actual hair and has often seen sweating. Shocking, right? Despite the consistent efforts of the priest, the back of the idol stays wet.

There is a Vaikuntam Queue Complex, a network of connected halls that leads to the main temple. It serves as the entrance for the Darshan. With the different amenities offered, these halls are tidy and cozy. Now, while walking around you will find a picture of Lord Venkateshwara in the backside, if you place your ear carefully on it, you can clearly hear the sound of waves, interesting, right!

At last, but not the least, there is one more interesting thing about this temple. To enter the temple, you must fill out a declaration form in which you must affirm your belief in Lord Venkateshwara.

Timings:

Morning: 6:00 to 11:00 AM

Afternoon: 2:00 to 7:00 PM

Night: 8:00 to 1:00 AM

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Venkateshwara temple pic courtesy Avinashx, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Lord Venkateswara pic courtesy Kalyan Kanuri, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

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It is utterly mind-blowing even to consider what tools would have been employed to create such a minute space between the base of the pillar and the surface of the hard stone floor underneath it. The tour guides will demonstrate several techniques to show that the incredibly sturdy stone pillar is suspended and not touching the ground.

This gigantic granite pillar is 20 feet tall, has a long history, and is particularly stunning because it defies gravity and appears suspended in midair.

A British engineer attempted to lift the pillar in 1924 to uncover the “secret.” He immediately cancelled his procedure because he worried the entire edifice would collapse. Ten more pillars started to move as they tried to do it.

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) then carried out in-depth examinations. It established that the pillar was not created accidentally but on purpose to demonstrate the skill of the builders of the time.

The temple is full of fascinating mysteries and beliefs, keep scrolling and stay amazed.

The Giant Nandi Statue

You can find a massive Nandi statue (the bull from Hindu mythology) carved from a single piece of stone 200 meters from the temple. The giant monolithic bull is 15 feet in height and 27 feet in length. Perfect lines and elaborated designs are carved on the bull. It seems impossible that they could have been produced by hand. Architects continue to be perplexed. Why was it created?

The Unfinished Kalyanamandapam

On the grounds of the temple, there is a “Kalayanamandapam,” or unfinished marriage hall. The intention behind building the hall was to commemorate Shiva and Parvati’s union. However, why was it purposefully left undone? Thera are two large red spots on the western side of the hall.

The story claims that the son of the builder, Virupanna was blind. He began constructing the temple, and soon after, his son’s blindness was cured. The other courtiers, however, grew envious and protested to the King that he was spending royal funds on his son’s treatment.

The monarch, furious, gave his troops the command to blind Virupanna. Virupanna administered his punishment. The red spots on the incomplete marriage hall’s walls depict his eyes. Nobody finished the construction of the hall after that incident.

Visit the temple, and witness the mind-blowing mysteries yourself!

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According to Hindu belief, Maa Skandamata blesses those who worship her with complete devotion with good fortune, abundance, and strength. As an avatar of Maa Durga, Skanda Mata is the embodiment of maternal love, and she provides power, wealth, and enlightenment to those who worship her. Skanda means Lord Kartikeya and Mata means mother, which translates to mother of Lord Kartikeya.

If one worships Skandmata, they attain salvation along with child happiness and all the wishes of their hearts. While keeping one hand in Abhaya Mudra, the goddess rides a lion while holding a lotus flower, a bell, and a baby Kartikeya in her three hands.

Colour

Today’s color is green, which symbolizes nature, growth, and energy. There is tranquility associated with green, a color that represents life. As a symbol of nature, it evokes growth, fertility, peace, and serenity. The mandir entrance can be decorated with a toran made of mango or Ashoka leaves with marigold flowers inserted between them.

Bhog

Bhog for Maa Skandmata typically includes bananas. Some devotees also prepare banana-based delicacies to please the Goddess. As a bhog to Maa Skandamata, you can also prepare rice kheer with saffron.

Mantra

Simhasanagata Nityam Padmanchita Karadvaya

Shubhadastu Sada Devi Skandamata Yashasvini॥

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Ma Skandamata Rupena Samsthita,

Om Devi Skandamatayai Namah

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Between the 13th and 15th centuries, Sukhothai served as the first Kingdom of Siam’s political and administrative centre. Si Satchanalai, home to many temples and Buddhist monasteries, was known as the spiritual hub of the kingdom. The crucial ceramic export sector was also centered at Si Satchanalai. Kamphaeng Phet was situated at the southern border of the kingdom and served vital military purposes in guarding against outside invaders and securing the trading network of the kingdom.

Ancient three historical town settlements were clearly united as a single political entity because they all spoke the same language, shared the same alphabet, and had the same administrative and legal system. The towns had a common construction to control water resources. It was linked to a highway named Thanon Phra Ruang. The highway was named after the King who built it!

Extensive History of Thailand

There are many monuments and sculptures in Sukhothai City that demonstrate early Thai architecture and art in the “Sukhothai style.” The artwork, wall paintings, and architectural features found within the compound of abandoned temples and monasteries speak volumes about the significance of the three cities. Art historians have studied the art and architecture of Sukhothai. They have identified and cataloged the distinctive style that sets it apart from Khmer and other earlier regional styles. They also believe that the Buddhist landmarks and the artifacts in the three towns are timeless classics of artistic creation, giving the art style the name “Sukhothai style.” The oldest traces of Thai writing have been seen in stone inscriptions discovered at the sites. These also provide a complete picture of the Sukhothai civilization’s economics, religion, social structure, and government.

This place is like a treasure trove for history buffs! UNESCO has declared it a world heritage site. So take your lenses and explore the city; you might discover something too!

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Sanon Wangsrangboon, deputy governor of Bangkok, says the festival is aimed at supporting Thai people of Indian descent. Moreover, it encourages Indian tourists to travel to Thailand by learning about the culture of Thai people of Indian descent.

The Thai capital only celebrates Chinese New Year, Songkran, and Christmas, he explained. No Indian festivals have ever been observed in Thailand, he said.

It is the perfect time to celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and India by holding the Diwali festival this year. Phahurad, also called Little India, will be promoted as one of Bangkok’s prominent landmarks.

In particular, Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of prosperity, is associated with the festival. This festival is popular among Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists. According to Hindu lunisolar calendars, the festival usually lasts five days between mid-October and mid-November.

The post Celebrate The Festival Of Light- Diwali in Bangkok For 3 Days Starting From October 21, 2022 appeared first on Indo Thai News Channel - Travel l Culture l News & Event l Food.