The Emerald Buddha
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Reference Education -> subcategory Philosophy.
The Emerald Buddha
Overview
The Emerald Buddha, a revered symbol of the Kingdom of Thailand, is a statue of a seated Buddha crafted from green jade, not emerald as its name suggests. This precious figure, adorned in gold, stands at about 45 centimeters tall. It resides in the Chapel of the Emerald Buddha within the Grand Palace in Bangkok.
Origins and Myth
Legend traces the origins of the Emerald Buddha to Pataliputra, India (present-day Patna), crafted in 43 BCE by the sage Nagasena. While some historians attribute its style to the Chiang Saen period of the 15th century, the myth narrates its journey over centuries.
Initially housed in Pataliputra for 300 years, the statue was moved to Sri Lanka for safekeeping during a civil war. In 457, King Anuruth of Burma requested the Emerald Buddha and Buddhist scriptures to promote Buddhism in his realm. However, a storm diverted the ship carrying the statue, leading it to Cambodia. Afterward, it passed through various locations, including Ayutthaya, Kamphaeng Phet, and Laos, before finally reaching Chiang Rai. It was in Chiang Rai that the artifact was concealed by the city's ruler.
Rediscovery
The Emerald Buddha resurfaced in 1434 in Northern Thailand under intriguing circumstances. A story tells of lightning striking a pagoda in a Chiang Rai temple, revealing a hidden treasure beneath the stucco. Mistaken for being made of emerald, the statue earned its current name.
Cultural Significance
Though fashioned from jade, the Emerald Buddha is lavishly clothed in golden garments. These outfits are ceremonially changed by the King of Thailand to mark the changing seasons, a practice conducted three times a year during the 1st Waning of Lunar Months 4, 8, and 12.
This sacred relic, central to Thai culture and spirituality, continues to embody the profound heritage and faith of the Thai people.
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