Is there an Ayodhya in Thailand too? Here's all you need to know
Not only has the place been named Ayodhya, but the kings there also hold the title of Ram in their names, following an old tradition.
- World News
- 2 min read
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We all are aware that there's an Ayodhya in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, but not many of us would know that there's a place with the same name in Thailand too. Not only has the place been named Ayodhya, but the kings there also hold the title of Ram in their names, following an old tradition.
Ayutthaya in Thailand: All you need to know
Here are some of the important points to know:
- Dr. Suresh Pal Giri, a teacher in Thailand for 22 years, highlighted the religious and historical connections between Ayutthaya and India.
- Thailand, originally known as part of the missing link of India, has a genetic Hindu background that later incorporated elements of Buddhism into Hinduism over time, Giri told news agency ANI.
- The similarity between Ayodhya in India and Ayutthaya in Thailand lies in the preservation of ancestral traditions and beliefs. Both places continue to worship Lord Shri Ram, emphasizing a shared cultural and religious heritage.
- The Thai king has contributed to this cultural continuity by constructing Hindu temples within Ayutthaya.
- Located 35 kilometres away from Ayutthaya, there is a temple dedicated to Lords Vishnu, Brahma, and Shankar, showcasing the enduring influence of Hindu traditions in Thailand.
- The famous Thai city known as Ayutthaya had kings who held the title of 'Ramatibodhi' ("Lord Rama").
- Ayutthaya has historical connections to Ayodhya mentioned in the Ramayana, where it is described as the capital of Lord Rama.
- Serving as the capital of Siamese rulers from 1351 AD, Ayutthaya faced devastation when it was looted and nearly destroyed by Burmese forces in 1767.
- The Thai religious text, Ramkeen, is comparable to the Thai Ramayana and was believed to be freshly composed by King Rama I in the 18th century.
- Ramanujan, the author of '300 Ramayana,' drew parallels between Ramkeen and Valmiki Ramayana, noting similarities in characters such as Thotsakan resembling Ravana.
- The book depicts the ideal of Ram through its hero, Phra Ram.
- Presently, the remnants of Thai Ayutthaya span a vast area and have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.