Page 75 - รวมเล่มศาสนาในประเทศไทย ภาคภาษาอังกฤษ
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In the Thonburi Period, customs and traditions were
inherited from Ayutthanya period. Brahmin beliefs and traditions
still played an important role providing morale support to people in
the Kingdom, maintaining ancient royal traditions, and enhance the
monarchy's sacredness.
In the Rattanakosin Period, upon establishment of the
Kingdom, King Rama I had determination in maintaining art, culture,
and beautiful customs and traditions. The king gave his command to
have all the texts regarding Brahmin rituals compiled, and invited
Brahmans escaping from the war from all over the kingdom -- such as
from Nakhornsrithammarat and Patthalung -- to serve in the royal court
2 as officials and performing royal ceremonies. Those invited Brahmans
are all descendants of noble Brahmin family. As appeared in the first
Thai enacted law, "Phra Maha Ratchakru, Phra Ratchakhru, Phra Arlak,
Phra Horathibodi, Phra Si Mahosit, and Phra Sisak are responsible for
royal ceremonies with ancient procession," There are several titles and
responsibilities of Brahmin in the royal courts, which were classified
-- in according to the classification in Ayutthaya period -- as follows;
1. The Horācārya Brahmin or the Brahmin of Astrology
responsible for the devotional rites to Hindu deities.
2. The Udāgādā Brahmin, responsible for the rhythmic
reciting.
3. The Ajvaryu Brahmin, responsible for performing
3
ritual ceremonies.
The above three responsibilities cover all the religious
affairs including worship, recitation, and ritual performance. Titles
1 Mural painting on the wall of the Ubosot in Wat Phra were given to Brahman in according to their responsibilities. For
Chetuphon Wimonmangkhalaram, depicting the scene of the examples, Phra Maha Ratchkru, Purohit Brahmin, and Pruthibat
Brahmin who had faith in Buddhism Brahmin, responsible for royal ceremonies, customs, traditions, The
2 Brahmin performing the ritual of the Ploughing Ceremony at Dharma Shastras (law codes of Hinduism) which has had major role
Sanam Luang Ceremonial Ground
3 Phra Maha Ratchakhru Phithi Si Wisuthikhun in Thai society until today.
(Chawin Rangsibrahmanakul) swaying of a lantern in paying
homage to deities and performing a ritual ceremony at the
Ploughing Ceremony at Sanam Luang Ceremonial Ground
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