Buddhism in Thailand has different route of origin from Japanese Buddhism, so even though it is the same Buddhism, the appearance of the gods who believe in the architectural style of the temple is quite different.
Thai Buddhist gods who are strongly influenced by Hinduism are enshrined in colorful and divine appearance in temples and towns.
Many Gods who are believed in common with Japan, although they look different, I would like to introduce God who is believed in common in both Japan and Thailand this time.
table of contents
Vishnu God (Violin Heaven)
God on God Bird 'Garuda' is the Hindu guardian 'Vishnu'.
4 It is said to be a god that has weapons in the arms of a book, infests with evil, changes the appearance to various incarnations when the world is disturbed, and brings happiness.
In Japan, it will be "VIKEN TEN".
Garuda (Buddha Ruo)
"Garuda" is the Holy God who rides the third generation, the universe, "Vishnu God" flying the world. At the same time, it is 1 of the incarnation of "Vishnu God", and it is said to be the best God who has protected Thailand from the time of the Sukhothai dynasty.
"Garuda" is a coat of arms of the royal family of Thailand, this royal family always uses this emblem.
In Japan, the 1 people of the eight people who protect Buddhism are "Buddha Luo" (Karura).
Brahma God (Brahma)
"Brahma God" is the parent of demon "Yak" of justice, and is respected as a god of prosperous business, God of Hindu creation.
It has 4 faces and 8 books so that you can look around in all and is enshrined in Bangkok's most popular shrine "Erawan · boom", and constantly worshipers are visiting.
In Japan, it is "Brahma", which is said to be a god encouraged to confidence in Buddha who has completed enlightenment, and is said to be the highest god among the Buddha with "heaven" attached.
Yak (Yasha)
"Yak" is said to be under the name of Bishamonten, the guardian guardian of the demon who made the figure of demon, it is Hindu "Yakusha".
In Japan, it is called "Yasha" and often refers to the horrifying demon who eats people, but in Thailand it is popular as a justice for defending the king and protecting the king, "Wat · Plakao" "Wat Arun" At the same time with monkey god "Mock", it is the role of an amulet that supports the gatekeeper and the pagoda base and guards the whole temple.
Mock (Momotaro's monkey)
"Mock" is a monkey god of justice appearing in Thai Buddhism's most famous myth "Ramaquien".
It is a faithful subordinate of King Rama's hero, whose figure is huge like a mountain, the skin shines gold and boasts unbeatable power, and is a national hero who protected King Rama with demons with "Yak".
"Wat Plakao" is drawn on a large wall painting showing the story of Thai classical literature "Ramakien" in the corridor, "Wat Arun" supports the pagoda base.
There is a theory that it is a model of "Son Goku" of the West Journey, hit "Momotaro no Monke" in Japan.
Shin (Guardian Dog)
"Shin" is a guardian god like "Guardian Dog" that protects the entrance of the main temple of "Wat Phra Kaew".
"Ling" which is familiar to Thai famous beer "Singha beer" in the myth, "Shin" familiar to Thai brewery "Shisa" over the Kingdom of the Ryukyus, "Shisha" from China to the mainland Japan, "Lion" It has been said that it became "the guardian dog" of.
Nak (Serpent God Ryujin)
"Nak" is a serpent God who manipulates water and a dragon.
It was a god that existed from the era of Buddhist faith before the Buddhist arrival, and from the legend that protected the Buddha who organized the zazen from rain, in order to open the enlightenment, it became the guardian of the person who gained enlightenment in Buddhism, and was connected with Buddhism.
It is said that not only the temple but also in the northern part of Thailand live in the house as a spirit of land.
The sharp decoration on the roof of the temple shaped a nak, and in Japan it used to call the serpent "Naga" a long time ago.
Finally
How was it?
The gods that are also believed in Japan are enshrined in the city of Bangkok and around the royal palace.
Come and see the beautiful colors of rich colors of gods with their eyes and let us get the benefit!
