Chao Pho Mahayaksampanton Wat Srilom Lampang: Background and the Ritual Roles

Abstract

Chao Pho Mahayaksampanton, is the name of Thao Wessuwan who is enshrined at Wat Sri Lom, Mueang Lampang District, Lampang Province. He is the one of Thao Chatulokaban (the four gods who are the keepers of the world).  Thao Wessuwan is the god of giants, besides being the god who protects the human world in the north and is the god who protects Buddhism. He is also believed to be the god of wealth. He has the power to give wealth to those who behave well and act rightly. According to the history of Chao Pho Mahayaksampanton, his stories has been shown in many areas in Lampang including his submission to the power of the Lord Buddha, and becoming ready to be a Dharma god. He takes the burden to take care of the country and help those who stand firm in morality. The stories about Chao Pho Mahayaksampanton (the three thousand great giant) have been told for ages.  This instills faith among Lampang people and in the public. This can be seen from the increase of the number of people who come to pay homage every day, especially on holidays and in the ceremony of feasting Chao Pho Mahayaksampanton that has been held continuously for more than 100 years. The ritual of feasting is still passed down and has survived until the present day. This is caused by two factors: the main factors are: The six roles and responsibilities of the ceremony for feasting and the secondary factors include: The 10 factors on the context of the ritual for feasting that support the ritual to remain even in the change of social circumstances compared to the past.