A study of influence and practice on beliefs that appear in the Uraṇgadhãtunidãna (Legend of Phra That Phanom) : Study only in the case of Phra That Phanom and Buddhabatvernpla

Abstract

The objectives of this research were as follows: 1) to study the Uraṇgadhãtu relics and Buddhist places mentioned in Uraṇgadhãtunidãna, 2) to study and 3) to analyze the beliefs of Isan Buddhist people about Phra That Phanom and Phra Phutthabatvernpla. This qualitative research was done by analyzing the documents and interviewing 20 scholars. The results showed that: 1) Uraṇgadhãtu tales are local legends referring to the visit of Lord Buddha in the Mekong River Basin. There is an emphasis on the construction of Phra That Phanom. Later, a Buddhist place in the form of a relic or Buddha's foot was built in the place where the legend states that the Lord Buddha had visited. 2) Northeastern Buddhists believe that the Uraṇgadhãtu legend is faithful and therefore they have strong belief in Phra That Phanom and Phra Phutthabat. 3) The belief of the people gave birth to the Buddhist art in the style of "Um Mung" or stupa to place important and spiritual values ​​such as the Buddha's relics, etc. Hence, various worshiping ceremonies were introduced based on the beliefs resulting the prosper of the Buddhism in this region.