Thai amulets for protection and wealth. Mythical creatures in Thai culture Deities in Thailand
Thailand is perhaps one of the most popular destinations in Asia. Tourists know this country for its delicious food, good beaches and rich culture. Perhaps everyone who visited there saw images of the heroes of the local epic Ramakien. They are not only on temple complexes, but also on various paintings, souvenirs, keychains, and these images are widely used in local performances and concerts. Ramakien is an allegory of the victory of good over evil, a Thai version of the Indian epic Ramayana with details characteristic of Siam. The hero of the epic Rama is a model of virtue - an ideal king. He is confronted by an evil demon - King Tosakan.
Today we will tell you who these deities are and what they are known for in the history of the epic. Of course, this story is huge, but we still tried to collect it here. the main point along with the main characters.
Photo: depositphotos.com
Tosakan (Rowana in Indian mythology) - the demon lord of the Rakshasas and the king of the island of Lanka (now this is the island of Sri Lanka, many people know this place as Ceylon). According to legend, he had “ten necks, heads and arms.” According to the epic, the future ruler Tosakan indulged in severe asceticism - tapas - for ten thousand years. Tapas is asceticism and self-restraint, during which a special internal heat accumulates, giving the ability to magically influence the environment. As a reward for this, Phra Phrom (Brahma) endowed him with the gift of invulnerability from gods and demons. Taking advantage of this, Tosakan was able to usurp power over all three worlds - over heaven, earth and underground world. And on the island of Lanka he founded the kingdom of the Rakshasas, expelling his half-brother Kubera from there. He overthrew the gods from heaven and forced them to serve himself.
Photo: depositphotos.com
Tosakana retinue - rakshasas are described as multi-armed, multi-headed and multi-eyed or, conversely, one-eyed creatures with a huge mouth. Sometimes rakshasas took the form of ordinary people, including seductive women, which they took on as a result of shape-shifting. Mostly they were giants, and sometimes giants of monstrous size.
Photo: depositphotos.com
Phra Phrom (Brahma), who gave Tosakan the gift of invulnerability, is the motherless god of creation, self-born from a lotus flower at the very beginning of the process of creation of the material Universe. Brahma has four heads, four faces and four arms. He is far beyond the realm of the sensory in a state of deep meditation.
Experienced tourists talk about the “Tay effect”. Like, you come back from there and you can’t find a place for yourself in the familiar world. You get so used to bright colors, spicy tastes, intoxicating aromas that everything at home seems bland... Do you want to check if this is so? And what kind of civilization is Thailand?
“The land of a thousand smiles” - this phrase about Thailand has become a textbook and is present in every guidebook. But there is not a bit of exaggeration in these words! Here they smile at you so sincerely that it seems that all the people are happy about your arrival. No, these are not glossy smiles a la “everything is okay”, it’s a matter of mentality.
The Thais are Buddhists, and strong believers at that: you will be convinced of this when you see the incredible number of temples and houses of spirits with gifts - either near skyscrapers or near the huts of the poor. The main thing for them is peace in the soul, and by some miracle the people manage to adhere to this principle in life. This is probably why Thailand smiles like the Cheshire Cat.
Another detail that strikes you on the spot is the bizarre mixture modern world and Asian exotica. You can look at the multi-level tracks for hours: they are stunning and mesmerizing. And right there - right on the streets of the city - you can easily see an elephant walking around. A friend who visited Thailand a couple of years ago told me how at the market he felt that someone was reaching into his jeans pocket. I looked around and saw... a baby elephant. I was discouraged, shocked, then moved almost to tears and bought some sweets for the baby.
In general, what can I say, it immediately becomes clear: Thailand is some other planet with its own laws and way of life. And here, on this completely incomprehensible land, you are sincerely welcome...
Bangkok: in the City of Angels
Even if you have traveled all over the world, the capital of Thailand will still shock you! This Asian City of Angels seems to be stuck between the past - spicy, exotic - and the future - ultra-modern, incredible!
It feels like you were thrown 50 years into the future in a time machine. These Bangkok multi-level tracks - I have not met a person who would not admire their complex design and aesthetics.
In general, Bangkok is completely eclectic. Imagine: luxury cars drive imposingly along these luxurious roads, with local tuk-tuks scurrying impudently between them. I highly recommend taking a ride on this miracle of local technology - a breeze! And you definitely need to see the city from the water...
Here is another comparison: the capital of Thailand is often called the Asian Venice, because the city is literally riddled with canals of the “mother of waters” - Chao Phraya. With one personal amendment: Bangkok is cooler! Feel free to board the sharp-nosed boat and go on an excursion.
And whatever you want, you definitely need to get to the floating market - because you won’t see THIS anywhere else! It seems that all the merchants of the world have flocked here with their goods! I was especially amazed that on these boats, right on an open fire, people cook food...
Travel by tuk-tuk - 20-40 baht (depending on distance). In general, everything is cheap here, especially food: fresh fruits are for pennies, literally for a hryvnia or five (coconut, pineapple, papaya and many other unknown things). They even sell candied locusts!
Thai food
This country loves to eat! But meat, fish and even fruit are always served with a mixture of incredibly hot seasonings. They cook here around the clock! In any case, whenever you go out, even at night, you will not remain hungry on the road. And in the morning, a great selection of food awaits you. And everything smells so good and looks so appetizing that you can’t pass by!
With his dishes, Tai beckons and seduces - and always successfully! Something is being fried and sizzling on the fire, pieces of meat or shrimp are simmering on the grill, nearby merchants are offering fruits and sweets... In general, it is simply unrealistic to refuse all this splendor! And why? But when you take the food, warn that you don’t need to add seasonings!
You can eat in a restaurant for 10 USD. i.e. per person. Lunch on the street will cost one dollar (give or take): you can buy a large bowl of rice with vegetables and chicken, coconut juice and a fruit dessert.
Phi Phi Islands
The twin islands offer silence, pristine nature, and excellent diving. There is everything here for a tired metropolitan resident. By the way, “The Beach” with Leonardo DiCaprio was filmed on the islands.
It is very beautiful in here! And again you get the impression that you were sent in a time machine, but now 100 years (or even more) back into the past! To tell the truth, I didn’t watch the movie “The Beach,” but when I got to the very snow-white shore where this movie was filmed, I was amazed. A small piece of land seems to be sprinkled with sugar and is surrounded on all sides by rocks. I immediately wanted to sit on the sand and look at the emerald sea (it really is like that there!), at the kayaks with couples riding, I wanted to slowly enter the water and swim to my heart’s content. Although there are deeper waters, coral reefs, and a lot of all sorts of sea monsters near other islands...
You can spend the night on the mainland; a room in a four-star hotel costs about 150 USD. e. per day (with breakfast). There is also overnight accommodation on some islands - both free on the beach and respectable - in an expensive five-star hotel.
Photo in text: Depositphotos.com
Text by Ivan Davidenko
Thai demons March 18th, 2011
There is a place where I always find myself at home. Home is among Our Own. Among the Thai Demons.
In each country, I am interested in the local philosophy of spirit, the relationship between man and religion and society, and culture, cultural-national self-determination. Who are we, where are we, who is above/below us and how to relate to this)))) On the subject of relationships with deities, India, in my opinion, expresses itself most correctly. No one dominates anyone, because everything is Maya, and the key word that defines the view of the world is “lightness”. And even Shiva, destroying the world - Shiva dances!
The Thais very accurately captured this atmosphere (they generally took a lot from Indian culture, even the epic Ramayana, Ramakien in the Thai version). And even more famously they fused it with their main religion (Buddhism) and with local, tass, pre-religious, pagan folklore. In Tai it is impossible to forget about demons for a moment. Their statues, figurines and bas-reliefs are found everywhere (by the way, a wonderful tradition for other faiths to note). And, in general, the first impression is quite sharp - fanged and winged creatures are everywhere. In the airport building, on every building of the National Bank, in all temple complexes..... But Thai demons are a special song, compared to their other Jewish relatives, whether Chinese or Laotian. Especially with Chinese ones, because there are a lot of Chinese figurines on the streets of Thailand.
Thais are very hospitable in terms of accepting foreign culture and religion. For them, everything is useful and not harmful)). Therefore, Chinese statues, brought, in general, as a banal cargo in the holds of empty ships returning from their next voyage to China, are carefully placed on the streets and in the inner temple courtyards. But they differ in design from Thai statues))) This is what gave me the opportunity to understand the place of Thai demons in the cultural and religious consciousness of Thailand.
In general, there are few varieties of demons. These are, first of all, the Yaks (huge fanged giants of human appearance) and their king, Ravana. Please note - the king, not the leader, like a gang from the gateway, and not the “main demon”, which smacks of Sovietism)).
Also these are Monkeys. What distinguishes them from demons... but in general, nothing distinguishes them. Except that instead of demon feet, monkeys have monkey hands. The fangs are just as big, the size of a monkey with demons. In general, these are not green monkeys with bananas, but warlike, wise mythical creatures whom Rama, for example, attracted to his side in the war with demons. Both yaks and monkeys are depicted with an open mouth and fangs (the guide said, “for no reason, just to intimidate”). The motif of a rising tongue of flame is repeated everywhere in the clothes. Even if there are no clothes (arms, knees, neck), flames symbolizing strength are “tattooed” on every centimeter of the statue. Whether the yaks are friends with the monkeys or at war is impossible to say for sure; it all depends on Ramakien’s situation. I think they are neutral, they say “nothing personal, friend, Rama just called to fight with you.” For example, on the bas-reliefs of Wat Arun, demons and monkeys equally hold the temple walls. Demons supporting and holding the walls of the temple are a very indicative attitude towards life))).
I was very surprised by the distant relatives of the Greek sirens and other mythical women with breasts and tails - kinnaris, as well as their male versions - kinnons. They are even more neutral than yaks and monkeys, there is no harm or benefit from them, and they have not been noticed in wars and divine confrontations. That is, the Thais simply record their existence, without judgment.
I actually saw the Divine Garudas on all the buildings of the National Bank. I imagined them a little differently, but that’s not the point. The important thing is that their images are there where it is necessary to note their affiliation with royal (and other administrative) power. So, it’s the 21st century, and there’s a garuda sitting on the Water Resources Management building.
The rest of the demons are prototypes of ordinary animals. Bulls, horses, cats, toads.
Toads, by the way, live in abundance on the temple grounds, because there is water there, an artificial waterfall, as well as bushes and everything in stone. And, of course, on the stone steps, irrigated by a stream, in the shade of bushes, my beloved toad people enjoy freedom and happiness at night. Therefore, at night, over the territory of any temple there is an incessant toad Sankirtan, and spotlights in absolute darkness illuminate 6-meter demons..... Birthday of the soul, I’ll tell you, I would live there without hesitation))))))
Of course, lions occupy a special place. They sit in pairs at the entrances. The one on the right, as a rule, has a stone ball in its slightly open mouth, which can be rolled by sticking your hand into the mouth. The left ball doesn't have one. The guide couldn’t say what this tradition is connected with, which is a pity.
Lion at the entrance to the temple
Thais see demons as free beings of greater intelligence, physical and astral strength and lesser moral standards. They do not contrast gods and demons, and there is not a single story in which a demon harms a person. The guide was sincerely puzzled: “Why would he harm a person? People have their own lives, demons have theirs. If there is a benefit - for example, to guard a king or a temple - then you need to invite demons, because they are higher and stronger than people." This most correct logic made me want to howl and kiss the face of the fat talkative Thai woman all her people)))))))) For age-old wisdom, for an unclouded look at the real state of affairs. Because you really want to stay surrounded by demons. Just sit next to them. Or petting a demon cat with a baby demon kitten))) Or looking at a lion. Of course, I don’t think that the demon kitten is the cutest whiskered animal. He is first and foremost a demon, albeit a small one. It is all the more dear and pleasant to observe the full life of demons and the appearance of their offspring. Such pictures give peace and faith that everything will be fine, and life continues in this world, and the strength has not yet left it))).
In temple complexes, the flame motif is repeated everywhere. It is on the hilt of the sword the demon is holding. It is carved on the backs of lions and mosaiced on the walls of temples. Even on the roof visors there is some kind of fusion of a tongue of flame and the head of a demon warrior. Multiplying this by the amount of gold leaf on the walls and roofs of temples, we get an incredible radiance of pure aggressive energy. The quintessence of aggression, a powerful fountain of strength, ringing air that shakes you with the desire to fly “along with them.” The temple complex and all its inhabitants, from Buddha to the last little frog-demon, at the same time seemed to be in your dream, and in reality, almost physically, exude a powerful, boundless, unbridled power. It’s like you find yourself through a portal into another reality. Into the reality of demons, into the world of pure energy. This feeling is confusing; you want to touch every sculpture, try to find and feel this power with your hands. And the wings spread themselves)))).
Thai traditional culture has very ancient roots. But it developed especially rapidly in the 11th-12th centuries with the penetration of Buddhism in its Theravada version into the territory of modern Thailand. This is due to the fact that until the 11th century these territories were ruled partly by the Khmer Empire, partly by the Laotian kingdom of Champassak, and partly by the Mon Empire of the Burmese. The Thai tribes adopted religion from these peoples in the form in which it formed among them. And here the influence, primarily of the Khmers, was enormous. Until the 10th-11th centuries, the dominant religion on the territory of the Khmer Empire was Hinduism, which was also adopted by the southern Laotian tribes. But the Mon Empire of the Burmese spread Buddhism. This is how a special conglomerate arose religious teaching Theravada. That is why in the material culture of modern Thailand there is such a strong element of Brahmanical religious culture, which is expressed in numerous paintings and sculptures of mythological creatures that came from the Vedic traditions of Hinduism.
Everywhere in Thailand, as well as in its neighboring countries (Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar), you can see many sculptural embodiments of mythological creatures worshiped by Theravada Buddhists. A large number of Such monuments can be found at the entrance or on the territory of Buddhist monasteries, in city squares.
Irawan(Erawan, Airavatta). A multi-headed elephant (usually depicted as three-headed), on which the Hindu god Indra sat. The elephant in Hinduism symbolizes the 33 celestial spheres, so in fact it is considered not 3 heads, but 33 heads. You can also find images of this elephant with the deities Indra or Ganesha seated on it. Sometimes Iravan has not two tusks on each head, but four or even six. Iravan is often included in heraldic images. Previously, he was depicted in the coat of arms of Siam; before the 1975 revolution, his image was the royal coat of arms of Laos. In the Samut Prakan province of Thailand, an entire Hindu complex was built, topped with a giant sculptural image of Irawan.
Ganesha(in Thai, Phra Pikanesavora or Phra Kanet). A deity depicted with a human torso and the head of an elephant, one of whose tusks is broken. According to legend, he was the son of Parvati, created from skin mixed with oil and water from the Ganges River. In a fit of anger, God Shiva beheaded Ganesha, promising to return his head, and he returned his head, but not a human one, but the head of an elephant. Ganesha broke his tusk in anger, throwing it at the moon because she laughed when she saw him. Ganesha is considered the patron of the arts and business. It is especially helpful in new business ventures. Therefore, his sculptural images can often be found on the central streets of cities, in office blocks. There is also an image of Ganesha seated on the back of the three-headed elephant Iravan. The cult of Ganesha is one of the oldest in Theravada Buddhism. Archaeological finds on the territory of ancient Thai, Khmer and Laotian cities clearly prove this. In those days, it was also believed that Ganesha patronized wise and fair rulers, which is why precious sculptures of Ganesha are almost always found in excavations of palace complexes.
Torani(Mae Phra Torani). One of the most common sculptural and bas-relief images representing the deity of the Earth in Thailand and Laos. At a time when the demon Mara tried in every possible way to interfere with the enlightenment of the Buddha, Torani helped the Buddha by pouring water from her hair on him and saving him from thirst, as well as dispersing the demons of the cardinal directions. Torani was also the first witness to the actual enlightenment of the Buddha. Picturesque images of Torani are present in all Buddhist temples; sculptures can often be found on the streets and squares of cities. The Democratic Party of Thailand chose the image of Thorani as its coat of arms.
Indra(Pra Intra). Vedic god of the heavenly spheres Tavatimsa. He is part of the triad of main gods along with Shiva and Vishnu. Also the god of war, weather, first among the gods. His image always shows his face and body in green. In traditional performances of the Ramayana theater, common in some provinces of Thailand and almost everywhere in Laos, he is an indispensable character - his mask is always Green colour. In his hand he holds a trident or an ax. Sometimes, along with a trident or an ax, he also holds a throwing disc, which was a bladed weapon. There are images of him sitting astride the elephant Iravan. There are not many sculptural images of him; they can mainly be found on the territory of monasteries, multi-confessional complexes, or in parks.
Kinnari(Kinarin). A mythical creature, half-man, half-bird (but not Garuda). They are both female (then called kinnari) and male (their name is kinnaburut). Their head is crowned with a special precious headdress - a chad, after which the monarchs of Southeast Asia had their royal crowns. Sometimes there is a statue of a kinnari, one of whose legs is entwined with the tail of the Naga serpent, with whom the kinnari, like Garuda, fought. The largest kinnari figure is located in the main Bangkok Buddhist shrine on the territory of the Dusit complex.
Naga(Nagaray). A mythological snake (cobra), with which dozens of legends are associated, both of general Buddhist and Hindu cults, as well as numerous local legends cultivated among the population of the Mekong River basin. True, modern residents of the river banks, when asked about the legends associated with Naga, only smile skeptically and say that their fathers no longer remember the appearance of even a simple anaconda here. I admit, I was even somewhat disappointed by this. However, the festival dedicated to Naga (in Thai it is called บั้งไฟพญานาค - bangfai payyanak) is celebrated today in the Nong Khai province of Thailand and in Laos. A picturesque image of Naga can be found almost everywhere in monasteries, and his sculptural statue is generally found in Southeast Asia at almost every step. In any case, the traditions of Buddhist art have long been using Naga statues as decoration for staircases leading into temples.
There is another mythological serpent named Ananta. But in the mythical culture of our time, these two characters have long merged together. In the Thai artistic tradition there is an image of a snake called Anantanagarai. This is also the name of one of the royal yachts, the bow of which is a seven-headed serpent. In Laos, images of this creature are also widespread, and a gilded royal funeral hearse is also made in the shape of Nagarai. As a rule, the snake is depicted with three or seven heads on one snake body. The snake either covers the meditating Buddha with its open neck parachute like an umbrella, or fights with Garuda or Kinnari, or protects the sleep of the god Naraya under the golden lotus on which Brahma sits, or simply guards the entrance to the shrine. By the way, according to Hindu mythology, it was Naga who first listened to the teachings of Buddha.
Hongse(Hang Hong). Another mythological creature with the head of a dragon bird, a long body and a tail with large ridges, which has long been part of artistic culture. Sometimes this snake is depicted with short legs. Images of this creature are common not only in the countries of Southeast Asia, but also in China and the Korean Peninsula. Many finials of Buddhist pagodas are made in the form of the head of this mythological creature. This style of temple ornamentation was called bai rak. One of the royal yachts of the Thai king is called Suphannakhongse, its hull is made entirely in the form of this creature.
Yak. His sculptural images are especially common in Thailand. This is a mythological character who guards the treasures of the gods and devours greedy people who are eager to take possession of these riches. These beings, if female, are called Yakshi. In traditional artistic culture, sculptures can often be found at the entrance to Buddhist monasteries, as well as in parks and large city squares. Due to some external similarities, Yaka is sometimes confused with Rahu. However, Rahu is a legless mythological character and therefore is not difficult to distinguish. In addition, Rahu is most often depicted holding and viewing a solar or lunar ball of red or yellow color, respectively, while Yak is always armed with a long sword. The most ancient images of Rahu date back to the 3rd century BC. This is especially interesting from the point of view that the Hindus, long before the Europeans, knew what the actual geometric shape of the planets was.
Trimurti(Pra Trimurti). Such or similar sculptures of three-faced creatures are also often found in Thailand, as well as in Cambodia and Burma. Initially, the Vedic cult stipulated that the three faces are the three aspects of Agni, Indra and Surya. Later in Hinduism there was a semantic transformation of this image, which began to symbolize the trinity of Vishnu, Brahma and Shiva. In Thailand, there are often open chapels with such sculptures, called ตรีมูรติ - Phra Trimurti. Of course, this is far from Full description Hindu and Theravadian mythological creatures, often embodied in works of landscape gardening, temple and urban applied fine art. In fact, you can find many more sculptures that in one way or another represent mythology and religion, as well as folk beliefs and legends.
Lak Mueang. Sacred columns of the city (หลักเมือง). The taller spirit column of Bangkok dates back to the time of the first king of the Chakrin dynasty, Rama I. The other dates back to the reign of King Mongkut. According to ancient Thai belief, such columns contain the sacred spirit of the city, protecting it from all kinds of enemy invasions and epidemics. Almost every city in Thailand has such Lak Muang. The tradition of establishing such kologgs existed long before the founding of the capital in Rattanakosin (Bangkok), but it was with the accession of the Chakrin (Chakri) dynasty that it became most widespread. Already in the 18th century, such columns stood at the entrance to the largest cities, which was supposed to emphasize the ownership of this territory by the king and his sovereignty over the city. When dictator Pibupsongkhram decided to move the capital of the state from Bangkok to Phetchabun in 1944, he ordered the construction of the giant Lac Mueang there. However, his plans to move the capital were never destined to come true. In 1992, a special law allowed all provincial capitals to build similar columns at the entrance. Over time, the forms of such Lak Muangs began to vary. Many cities built Lak Mueang in the traditional Chinese style of gate arches with a pagoda-shaped finial. In 2007, a giant modern Lac Mueang was also erected in Chinese style in Bangkok.
The Buddha of this direction - Gautama Buddha, Siddha-rtha Gautama or Shakyamuni - did not deny the presence of spirits and gods. And he even believed that a simple person with high-quality karma could be reborn into a deity or spirit.
In the region of the future Thai kingdom, before the advent of Buddhism, pagan-animist beliefs were widespread, which were later replaced by Hinduism. And now the population of the country believes in spirits and deifies the forces of nature. But Buddha is above all.
With the penetration of the religious and philosophical teachings of India into the territory of Thailand, local mythopoetic traditions organically entered into the developed cosmogonic system of Hindu-Buddhist myths. In one of the later Thai legends, the Vedic motif of the cosmogonic struggle of the god Pra In (Indra) with the demon Vritra was preserved, as a result of which, in place of the ax of the defeated demon that fell into the ocean waters, the Golden Country of Suvarnab-humi (as the coast of Indochina was called in ancient times), populated later Thai tribes.
The heroic image of Indra was liked by the peoples of Siam, in whose mythological legends he appears as the creator of the Universe and ruler of the gods. In a number of myths, Pra In continues his struggle with local monsters and deities. He becomes an antagonist of one of the main gods Phra Phuma - a deity before the advent of the era of Buddhism.
Pra In's hairs were used to create a bow with the help of which Pra Phumu's head was separated from his body.
In ongoing New Year's rituals the moment of the beginning of a new cycle symbolizes the theatrical ritual of transferring the head of the monster Phra Phuma from the hands of one of the sister planets to another, and the latter must keep it until the end of the year. The figure of Pra In, victoriously seated on the many-headed white elephant Erawan (Airavat), becomes a favorite subject in the art of Thailand.
The rudiments of Thai mythology include such ancient images of cosmogonic myths as the flood, the world tree - a vine growing from the nostrils of a heavenly buffalo, the pumpkin from which people originated, the rice deity Khuang Khao, who participates in cult rituals, and a number of others.
The peculiarities of the religious-mythological system of Thailand include the peaceful coexistence of Indianized mythology with a wide range of native animistic beliefs. According to Thai beliefs, numerous phi spirits inhabit all worlds. The pantheon of heavenly deities is formed by the spirits of thegns, the earthly territory is controlled by the spirits of localities - phimyungs and villages - phibans, plants, animals and people have corresponding spirits. For spirits, special khopkha houses are built and installed ! in front of every home, religious and public building.