Phayanaga : Beliefs of people in Isan society in the Mekong River Basin

Abstract

This academic article aims to demonstrate the belief of the people of Isan in the Mekong River basin related to the serpent. Most of them believe that the serpent is a semi-divine creature with supreme power capable of transforming the body into a man and a woman. There is also a belief that the serpent is a symbol of water, which is fertility. And the serpent is also one of the animals that humans have revered and worshiped for a long time. It can be seen that the serpent's physical appearance is different from other types of animals, that is, it is a very poisonous animal as it has hidden powers in it. very powerful The serpent has mystical and formidable alchemy that influences the beliefs of human beings. The serpent is therefore bound and appears as a symbol of the way of life of the people of Isan in the Mekong River Basin for hundreds of years. in terms of agricultural rituals, art, and architecture As can see many Naga statues were built along the Mekong River, such as the seven-headed Phaya Srisattanakara statue. Nakhon Phanom Province Father Pu Phaya Anantanakharat Shrine Under the second Thai and Lao Friendship Bridge Mukdahan Province Statue of Phaya Sri Puchong Mukdanakharat at Kaeng Krabao Mukdahan Province Naga Chaiyan statue at Thai temple Nong Khai Province As an example, it can be seen that the belief in the Naga has been associated with people in the Mekong River basin for a long time.