The Transmission Guidelines of the Chakravartin’s Conception, the Symbol of Power in Fine Arts at Wat Na Phra Men, Phranakhon Si Ayutthaya Province by Phraya Chaiwichit (Phueak)

Abstract

This study focuses on explaining the methods of transmitting the Chakravartin’s conception, the symbol of power. This appeared in fine arts at Wat Naphrameru Rachikaram Worawihan in the reign of King Nangklao (King Rama III) when Siam was facing intense political pressure from Western powers and tributary or vassal states on the periphery of the kingdom. It was reflected in the themes of ideas and beliefs of Phraya Chaiwichit (Phueak) through the restoration of Wat Naphrameru as well as the offering of the name to the crowned Buddha image, attired in a royal dress like the Chakravartin’s, which is the principal Buddha image in Phra Ubosot. Naming the Buddha image during the reign of King Rama III demonstrated the king’s right to the throne, a royal son whose mother was a commoner as the same way King Prasatthong did establishing a connection between the Chakravartin and the principal Buddha image in Phra Ubosot at Wat Naphrameru be the first person.