Royal Cremation in Thailand, what you need to know

Here is a description of what will happen during the royal cremation in Bangkok and throughout the country. A historic, sad and grandiose event, which will allow the Thai people to pay a vibrant tribute to the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX).

“On October 13, 2016, great sadness enveloped the people of Thailand, following the death of the late monarch.”

Even though it has been a year, the sadness is still present.

The royal funeral is scheduled from October 25 to 29, 2017 in Bangkok, with the royal cremation itself taking place on October 26, between 5:30 pm and 10 pm.

Royal Cremation and Buddhist Cosmology

The Funeral will be a grand event carefully organized and will feature magnificent works of art that correspond to the traditional practices of the court; everything will unfold according to a well-prepared plan, in honor of the late king.

The design plan of the Royal Crematorium (พระ เมรุมาศ) and other surrounding architectural works reflect traditional cosmological beliefs, particularly regarding the concept of Trailokya (ไตรภูมิ) or "three worlds », which places Mount Meru (or Sumeru) at the center of the universe, surrounded by seven seas, seven mountains, and four continents.

In Buddhist cosmogony, the term triloka refers to the three realms, the three spheres of existence which are:

• the realm of desires or kamadhatu
• the realm of subtle matter or rupadhatu
• the realm of the immaterial, the formless or Arupyadhatu.

Mount Meru is the mythical mountain considered to be the axis of the world in Persian, Buddhist, Jain and Hindu mythologies.

It is said to be 80,000 leagues (450,000 km) high.

Mount Meru is said to be located at the center of the Earth, in Jambudvipa, one of the continents in Indian mythology.

It is considered to be the abode of the gods or deva.

Above are the heavens, below are the hells, and all around lies the visible world. It is around it that the sun revolves.

The kings are believed to be the reincarnation of Narayana, one of the gods who descends to the world to spread peace and happiness and returns to heaven when his life ends.

The landscape of Mount Meru and its surroundings are represented by the detailed architectural works installed at Sanam Luang

The royal crematorium is a temporary monument that will be removed once the cremation is completed.

The Royal Crematorium is designed as a complex of nine pavilions or Busabok, with staircases on all four sides.

The pyre is elevated, situated on three levels from the base.

One level is used as a chamber to collect the royal ashes after the cremation, and the other is for the monks.

At the center of the structure is a large Busabok surrounded by four smaller Busaboks at each corner, housing a royal catafalque and, inside, the royal urn from the morgue.

The mystical pond known as Anotata is represented around the base of the royal crematorium, using sculptures of mountains of different sizes as well as mythical creatures found in the legendary Himavanta forest, with elephants, horses, oxen and lions.

Each level of the pyre is also decorated with mythical animals, great divinities, the Four Celestial Kings, garudas and angels – who are supposed to escort the deceased king to heaven.

Another important part of the Royal Funeral is the creation of the Royal Urn and the Royal Coffin.

The precious woods were chosen by the National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department of Kui Buri National Park in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province.

The woods were used to create the urn in the shape of an octagon with a top crown and a rectangular coffin decorated with engraved steel and refined wood.

Story Credit: magazine Gateway
Photo Credit: facebook.com/ ลักษณะ ไทย
More information: kingrama9.net/EN/Crematorium »

Proceedings of the Royal Cremation Ceremony

Map of funeral processions

• 1st day (October 25): merit ceremony at the Dusit Maha Prasat throne hall at the Grand Palace.
• 2nd day: the cremation itself will begin at Sanam Luang, where the king's body will be cremated.
• 3rd day: the royal ashes will be collected
• 4th day: the royal ashes will be blessed during a second royal merit ceremony at the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall
• 5th day: the royal urn will be taken to Chakri Maha Prasat

The funeral pyre will be lit on October 26 at 7 pm

The 3rd battalion, the 1st infantry regiment, the king's guardian and the 1st artillery battalion, the king's guard on behalf of the Royal Thai Armed Forces will officially light the pyre, with a live broadcast on the main television channels of the country.

How to respect this mourning month in Thailand

Black mourning ribbon

The government has suggested that all citizens wear black or white clothing, preferably simple and without patterns throughout the month of October until the 27th.

If one cannot comply, a black mourning ribbon pinned to the shirt will suffice:

Simple clothing is suggested until the 29th when the official ceremonies end.

Dress code to follow during ceremonies

To be observed if you wish to attend the funeral at Sanam Luang or one of the many ceremonies organized throughout the country.

Top:

• black
• white / dark / dark tone + black ribbon

Bottom:

• trousers
• dark color
• jeans are acceptable but should not be ripped jeans
• long skirt at knee or longer

Shoes:

• simple
• closed toe and heels
• black
• no flashy decoration

Other useful information to know

An official website has been created, if you are English-speaking and want to know everything about this event: kingrama9.net

Crematoria throughout the country

So that all Thais can participate in these ceremonies, replicas of the Royal crematorium will be built throughout the country.

Replicas of the Royal Crematorium of Sanam Luang will be placed in each of the 76 provinces of Thailand, as well as in nine sites in and around Bangkok.

Free transportation in Bangkok

To alleviate traffic congestion, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration announced that the MRT, public boats and BTS will be free on October 25 and 27.

The Royal Crematorium will be open to the public for a month after the ceremonies

Built in nine months, the crematorium of His Majesty King Bhumibol represents the pinnacle of modern Thai craftsmanship.

The Royal Crematorium area surrounding the pyre will remain open for a month after the cremation to allow the public to admire an extraordinary craftsmanship.

It will be open to the public from 7am to 10pm, from November 1st to 30th.

The public can participate in the rituals of laying funeral flowers in the temples

For those who cannot go to Sanam Luang, many temples throughout the country will provide places to lay flowers in tribute to the king.

Video of the royal crematorium filmed by a drone

An impressive video with day and night views.

Source : learnthaiwithmod.com ; thailande-fr.com