Giant Swing
The Ceremony of Triyampavai-Tripavai, was one of the
12 Royal ceremonies held in each month since the Sukhothai period.
It was carried out in December, the first lunar month. By the Rattanakosin
period, it had changed to the second lunar month, January.
It was regarded by the Brahmins as a new year's ceremony. Shiva
was said to visit the Earth for 10 days every year. Brahmins would
meet at Shiva's shrine and wash the bodies and hair of priests to
welcome Shiva.
Swing Ceremony : Originates from
a story in the scriptures. Concerned about the end of the world,
Uma Devi contrived a bet with Shiva. A serpent was suspended between
Putsa trees (Jujube) on the river, swinging back and forth between
them. Shiva stood in its path on one leg with the other crossed.
If the serpent struck Shiva and he fell, that would signify that
the world would end. But Shiva did not fall, proving that the whole
of creation was secured and strong, so Shiva won. The Swing Ceremony
compares the swing to the Putsa trees, while the space between its
posts is the river. Naliwan is the serpent, with Phraya Yuen standing
cross-legged on a benjamas wood.
Giant Swing : King Rama I ordered
it built in front of the Devasathan at the centre of the city. It
was moved to its present position in the reign of King Rama V, to
make room for a gas plant. The ceremony was removed from the list
of royal ceremonies in the reign of King Rama VII. At present, it
may still be held with Royal sponsorship, but only in the Devasathan.
How to get there
Bus routes : 10, 12, 19, 35, 42, 56, 96
Air-con Bus : 42
Opening Hour : Daily
Admission Fee : Free Admission
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