The Signification of fertility through erotic mural painting of Nha Phra That Temple in Nakhon Ratchasima Province

Abstract

​        The purpose of this research was to gain a profound insight into 1) figurative symbols and signification of fertility through erotic mural painting at Na Phra That Temple; 2) intertextuality of mural painting and Buddhist literature; and 3) consistency between the figurative symbol of fertility in mural painting and the fertility symbol in the Brahman doctrine. Related concepts and theories employed in data analysis comprised the concept of fertility in the dimensions of religion and ecosystem, the concept of symbolism in Thai mural painting,  semiology approach and intertextuality, and Jakobson’s  communication model. This research was a qualitative research that encompassed textual analysis of a) mural paintings in the former ordination hall of Wat Na Phra That and b) fertility symbols in Brahminism in Nakhon Ratchasima and Buriram province. The results were presented in the sequence of research problems, as follows:

        1. The figurative symbols employed in the signification of fertility could be categorized into four groups: a) carnal and sexual images; b) images of wealth; c) images of biodiversity; and d) images of rebirth.

        2. The techniques of signification of fertility consisted of a) the use of icon to portray genetic inheritance; b) the concealment of sexual images with a dark gray background; c) the use of gestural language code as an index of interpretation of sexual material; d) the use of indexed images to denote fertility; e) the use of mythological symbols to convey fertility; and f) the use of the principle of interconnectedness in the ecosystem to reflect the symbol of fertility.  

        3. The intertextuality of mural painting and Buddhist literature consisted of a) the Three Worlds (Trailokya) in which the world of desire (Kamaloka) symbolized fertility in the aspect of maintenance of species; b) Culla-Paduma Jataka in which the King of Lizard (Phaya Hia) symbolized fertility in nature; and c) Narada Jataka in which gold symbolized wealth in a secular context, and exaltation in a religious context.

        4. The figurative symbol of fertility in mural painting was consistent with the fertility symbol in the Brahman doctrine on the following aspects: a) Naga symbolized the element of water; b) Lingam on the base of yoni and erotic mural painting symbolized fertility and existence of human species; c) Cow symbolized the origin of fertility in agriculture; and d) Relationship between humans, gods and water resources symbolized the universe of fertility.