In a testament to the enduring bond of faith and shared cultural heritage, Ayutthaya in Thailand has come up and stood united, not merely by name but by a profound devotion to Lord Ram. As Ayodhya eagerly prepares for the consecration of its grand Ram temple just three days away, the fervor echoes thousands of miles away in the heart of Ayutthaya.
The Ayodhya temple trust has received symbolic offering from Ayutthaya, aptly named after its Indian counterpart, including sacred soil and water from three prominent Thai rivers – Chao Phraya, Lop Buri, and Pa Sak – for the upcoming Ram temple ceremony.
Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage site nestled along the Chao Phraya River, has a rich cultural history dating back centuries. According to the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) in Bangkok, elaborate arrangements are underway in Hindu temples across Ayutthaya and other Thai cities to broadcast the live telecast of the 'pran pratishtha' ceremony on January 22.
According to the Thailand VHP, diyas will illuminate temples, and the epic Ramayana will be enacted, accompanied by soulful renditions of Ram bhajans. A member of the VHP emphasised the cultural significance, stating, "We have put up big screens where the devotees will see the consecration ceremony live. We have made arrangements for lighting diyas, and prasad will also be distributed."
General secretary of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, Champat Rai,highlighted Ayutthaya's role as the Ayodhya of Thailand. He expressed gratitude for the holy soil and water received from Thai rivers, emphasising the deep connection between the two towns.
Founder and global chairman of the World Hindu Foundation (WHF), Swami Vigyanand, elaborated on the historical ties, stating, "Ayutthaya is named after Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Ram, establishing a connection with Hinduism and the Ramayana."
He noted that the Ramayana, introduced to Southeast Asia by Buddhist missionaries, found its adaptation into the Thai version known as Ramakien during the Ayutthaya Kingdom.
The ancient city of Ayutthaya, founded in 1350, served as the second capital of the Siamese Kingdom, flourishing until the 18th century. Despite being razed by the Burmese army in 1767, it remains an archaeological site, preserving monumental relics of its past glory.
Eminent Sanskrit scholar Satya Vrat Shastri, who translated the Thai Ramakien into Sanskrit, observed, "The Ramakien does not necessarily follow the Valmiki-Ramayana or other versions of the Indian Rama story. It takes an independent line by introducing new episodes."
Suresh Pal Giri, an Indian professor in Thailand, recounted the city's history, noting that after the Burmese invasion in the 18th century, a new king named himself Rama I and established Bangkok. Despite being a Buddhist, the king identified with Lord Ram, underscoring the transcendent appeal of Ram's story beyond religious boundaries.
The connection between India and Thailand extends beyond religious ties, reflecting in shared festivals and cultural practices. While India celebrates Kartik Poornima and Dev Deepawali, Thailand observes Loy Krathong, known as the festival of lights. Hindu deities like Shiva, Parvati, Ganesha, and Indra are venerated at prominent places in Thailand, mirroring the cultural syncretism.
The Suvarnabhumi airport in Bangkok itself boasts sculptures depicting the "Samudra manthana" from the Vishnu Purana, further emphasizing the deep cultural roots shared by the two nations.
As the first phase of the Ram temple in Ayodhya nears completion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to participate in the consecration ceremony on January 22. The Supreme Court's historic verdict in 2019 resolved a century-old temple-mosque dispute, backing the construction of the Ram temple at the disputed site.
In celebrating the consecration, Ayodhya and Ayutthaya bridge geographical divides, embodying a shared devotion to Lord Ram.
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