Ayodhya and Ayutthaya: Shared faith and celebrations across borders

The iconic three stupas of Wat Phra Si Sanphet in Ayutthaya, Thailand. (Image: iStock)

Ayodhya, India, and Ayutthaya, Thailand, will jointly celebrate as Ayodhya gets ready for the consecration of the Ram temple on January 22. This is a magnificent demonstration of shared religious fervour. The two towns, though geographically separated, are united by shared faith and are named after the Ramayana, which has had a lasting impact on their respective cultural traditions.

Situated beside Thailand's Chao Phraya River, Ayutthaya occupies a special place in Thai history and culture. The ancient city, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, is reminiscent of Lord Ram's birthplace, Ayodhya. The Ayodhya temple trust has received symbolic contributions from Ayutthaya, including sacred soil and water from Thailand's major rivers, such as Chao Phraya, Lop Buri, and Pa Sak. Devotees in Ayutthaya are getting ready to participate in the festivities.

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Live broadcasts of the consecration ceremony at Hindu temples in Ayutthaya and other Thai cities have been arranged by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP). As they see the epic Ramayana being acted out, devotees will light diyas and sing Ram bhajans. Given that Ayutthaya is regarded as the Ayodhya of Thailand, the relationship between it and Ayodhya extends beyond the present festival.

The World Hindu Foundation's (WHF) founder and global chairman, Swami Vigyanand, highlights the historical connection between Ayutthaya and the Ramayana. Ayutthaya, which bears Ayodhya's name, is a prime example of how the Ramayana was translated into Thai during the Ayutthaya Kingdom and given the name Ramakien. This metamorphosis demonstrates the long-lasting influence of Lord Ram's life on Thai culture.

Founded around 1350, the Historic City of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya was an important capital of the Siamese Kingdom. The Burmese army invaded and destroyed the site in 1767, but the archaeological remains preserved the city's former splendour and cultural diversity.

Notably, Ayutthaya not only bears witness to Hindu influences but also to the Ramayana's translation into Thai culture. The Thai version, Ramakien, created during the Ayutthaya Kingdom, followed its narrative and included new chapters not found in other versions of the Indian epic.

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The relationship between the two countries extends beyond religious events. Festivals such as Kartik Poornima in India are mirrored in Thailand's Loy Krathong, often known as the festival of lights. Hindu deities such as Shiva, Parvati, Ganesha, and Indra are venerated in many Thai temples.

The Suvarnabhumi airport in Bangkok further demonstrates the shared cultural history, with statues illustrating the "Samudra manthana" as described in the Vishnu Purana. This relationship is not limited to mythology; it also has practical repercussions, as demonstrated by the historical character of Rama I, who, while being a Buddhist, connected with Lord Ram.

As Ayodhya and Ayutthaya prepare for their separate festivals, India and Thailand's shared history, cultural practices, and religious ties become more apparent. The impending consecration event in Ayodhya represents not just the resolution of a historic legal conflict, but also the enduring bond between two distant places linked by faith and cultural legacy.

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