A Study of Belief on Nakhon Si Thammarat Holy Relic Pagoda

Abstract

           This research was studied on belief and Buddhist doctrine on Nakhon Si Thammarat holy relic pagoda. The objectives were as follows 1) To study the background, its significant and component of Nakhon Si Thammarat holy relic pagoda 2) To study the belief of Nakhon Si Thammarat holy relic pagoda and 3) To study the Buddhist doctrine onNakhon Si Thammarat holy relic pagoda.

          The findings were as following:

          The Nakhon Si Thammaratholy relic pagoda was the holy place of people in Nakhon Si Thammarat, it was the holy place of holy relic of the lord Buddhha(Teeth), it was the homage place and including of faith for Thai and other Buddhists. The background of Nakhon Si Thammaratholy relic pagoda, there was not clear of that for establishing because of investigation of era for construction was in different era, therefore it was not confirmed on construction of pagoda.

          The  Nakhon Si Thammarat holy relic pagoda played very important role in society as the symbol of power in governing from past to present time, and to be included of belief, culture, tradition, norm, community living, to be duty on social control in peacefulness from these said significance it was to be registered as world heritage of UNESCO.

          In the aspect of belief in Nakhon Si Thammarat pagodathere are several belief as follows. 1) Belief on holy relic. 2) The belief in golden Topping. 3) The belief in Nakhon Si Thammarat holy relic pagoda stayed without shadow. 4) The belief in Deva those protecting the pagoda. 5) The belief in the eight Arahan in directions for protecting pagoda. 6) The belief on elephant those protection. 7) The belief on statute nearby steps of upping pagoda. 8) The belief on rounding pagoda. 9) The belief in the four crows protecting pagoda.

          The study on Buddhist doctrine concerning with pagoda found that lots of Buddhist doctrines had hidden those are appeared in the form of architectures, worship, and candle and incense, Suaddan tradition and celebration etc.

          The Nakhon Si Thammarat holy relic pagoda in Watphramahatatuvoramahavihara, common called as Watphratatu was the holy history place and to be a prestige of people in Nakhon Si Thammarat province especially Buddhist people and to become as symbol of Nakhon Si Thammarat province, in nowadays the Fine arts department had announced as archaeological place that it is the most important holy place in south region.