Role of Belief in Ancestral Spirits in a Rural Community of Ban Non Tae Tha Song Khon Subdistrict Mueang District Maha Sarakham Province

Abstract

This research consists purposes were 1. to study the general condition of the Pu Ta Shrine in Ban Non Tae Tha Song Khon Sub-district Mueang District Maha Sarakham Province 2. to study the beliefs and rituals related to the spirit of Pu Ta in the community of Ban Non Tae Tha Song Khon Sub-district Mueang District Maha Sarakham Province and 3. to study the role of the belief in the spirit of Pu Ta among the people in the community of Ban Non Tae Tha Song Khon Sub-district Mueang District Maha Sarakham Province. This is a qualitative research. The research instrument used was a structured interview. The target group consisted of 30 purposively selected individuals. The data collected from interviews and relevant documents were analyzed using content analysis. Research Findings 1) The Pu Ta Shrine of Ban Non Tae located in Tha Song Khon Sub-district, Mueang District, Maha Sarakham Province, is situated at the Nong Bok Pavilion in Village No. 16 Next to the shrine is a community pond called Nong Bok. The shrine is a wooden structure with a three-step cement and brick staircase. Inside the shrine, there are no human statues; instead, there are only various animal figures, which were offered by the villagers to the guardian spirit known as Chao Pu Nong Bok 2) The beliefs and rituals related to the Pu Ta spirit in Ban Non Tae were found to involve two main aspects: (1) making vows to request success in various endeavors and (2) fulfilling those vows through ritual offerings to express gratitude. The community holds annual ceremonies for the Pu Ta spirit. One is performed in the third lunar month, focusing on predicting rainfall for agricultural purposes. Another takes place in the sixth lunar month, specifically on the first Wednesday and is known as the general ritual feeding of the spirits. Additionally, villagers perform personal rituals on Wednesdays that do not coincide with Buddhist holy days, as a way to fulfill their vows to the Pu Ta spirit and 3) The role of Pu Ta spirit beliefs in the Ban Non Tae community is expressed in three main areas: (1) Agricultural Role: As most villagers engage in farming activities such as rice, sugarcane and cassava cultivation, they rely on the Pu Ta spirit for guidance and blessings. The village shaman (Khaocham) makes offerings and asks the spirit to help ensure good yields and timely rainfall (2) Health Role: Villagers believe that by seeking protection from the Pu Ta spirit, they can maintain good health and avoid illness. During the Buddhist Lent period, offerings of flowers, incense and candles are made in a ritual called “Khuen Khong Raksa” to express respect and to bring peace of mind and (3) Social Role: The belief in the Pu Ta spirit serves as a spiritual anchor, fostering faith and respect within the community. The shrine acts as a communal space for significant local activities, reinforcing social bonds and cultural identity.