Factors in the use Chao Pharaya River In front of the Wat Pord Sat as consecrated water in Coronation King Rama VI - VII

Abstract

This article aims to study factors in the use of Chao Phraya River in front of Wat-Prod-Sat as consecrated water in the second coronation of King Vajiravudh in 1911 and the coronation of King Prajadhipok in 1925. The study reveals that there are three major factors that influence the selection of Chao Phraya River in front of Wat-Prod-Sat as consecrated water consisting of 1) Belief in myths which mentioned about the blessed water that used against magical elephant, created from cremated remains, and the story of the temple name origin which refers to blessed water sprinkle on animals to show clemency 2) Public respect for illness recovery of blessed water in front ordination hall along with the respect for the main Buddha image in the hall 3) Propitious name which the temple name is auspicious as the monarch reign over and taking care of people in the land. These three factors had caused provincial officials in Phra Nakorn Sri Ayutthaya in the past to choose Chao Phraya River in front of Wat-Prod-Sat as consecrated water of the County of Ayutthaya. However, today’s story of consecrated water source at Wat-Prod-Sat has faded away from memories of local and nearby people but the respect for blessed water of the temple still has an affinity with Ayuthaya people ever since.