Transformation and Meanings of the Miniature Mountain at Wat Ratchakhrue, Thonburi
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Abstract
This study began with an interest in historical, architectural and social values of a miniature mountain (Khao Mo) at Wat Ratchakhrue Worawihan, Thonburi District, Bangkok that in-depth study is scarce. This miniature mountain has been renovated many times. Through documentary research and fieldwork, it is reasonably to hypothesize that development of Thai Buddhist cults affected meanings and appearance of this miniature mountain. Wat Ratchakhrue was previously known as Wat Bang Yi Ruea Nai. In 1792, after restored by Chao Phraya Phra Khlang (Hon), a minister of the Harbour Department (Krom Tha) during the reign of King Rama I, the temple was changed to the present name corresponding to Rajgriha (Rajgir) in India. Chao Phraya Phra Khlang (Hon) also built a miniature mountain as the principal structure of the temple compound to place a stupa enshriningrelic of the Buddha with the aim to achieve Nirvana in the future. The stupa was situated at the top of the miniature mountain, a sacred place representing the Gijjhakuta [the Holy Eagle Peak], the favorite retreat of the Buddha in Rajgriha, India as well as the Tavatimsa Heaven on the submit of Meru Mountain surrounded by the Himavanta forest on the base. In 1799, a replica of a Buddha footprint and a shadow of the Buddha was created by Chao Phraya Phra Khlang (Hon). Phra Mondop [a shrine in a cross plan and surmounted by a spire roof] was newly constructed to house the footprint and the shadow on top of the miniature mountain and became the up to date principal architecture of the temple compound. The footprint and the shadow may represent a Buddha footprint and a shadow of the Buddha at Wat Phra Phutthachai in Saraburi. Later a cult of Buddha footprints in particular in Saraburi Province became highly valued among the people of Siam. The miniature mountain was gradually renovated during the reign of King Rama IV to King Rama V by local artisans. Phra Mondop and renovated miniature mountain were transformed the former to latter cults and represent a mondop housing a Buddha footprint on a small hill at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi.
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