High above us, vibrant murals explode with color. These murals tell a timeless story. The story unfolds right here at the Sala of Ramayana.
The Sala of Ramayana presents the Ramakien. It is Thailand’s national epic. The Ramakien is based on the ancient Indian Ramayana. It is a vital part of Thai literature, art, and drama.
King Rama VI first shed light on Ramayana studies in Thailand. He compared the Ramakien to the Sanskrit Valmiki Ramayana. He discovered three influences. These were Valmiki’s Ramayana, the Vishnu Purana, and Hanuman Nataka.
Sadly, many versions of the Ramakien were lost. This happened during the destruction of Ayutthaya in 1767. Today, three versions remain. King Rama I supervised one version in 1797. His son, Rama II, rewrote parts for khon drama. Khon is a traditional Thai dance.
The Ramakien’s main story resembles the Dasaratha Nataka. However, some tales differ. The Thai context shapes many aspects. Clothes, weapons, and nature elements appear Thai. Thailand embraces Theravada Buddhism. The Ramakien provides a creation myth. It also represents spirits from Thai animism.
Paintings from the Ramakien decorate Bangkok’s Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Statues there depict characters from the epic.
The Ramakien epic, originally written as Ramkerti, was adopted by the Thai people. Early Sukhothai kingdom recordings include Jataka legends. Shadow puppet shows, called Nang, told the legends. Leather dolls cast shadows on a screen.
The Thai version was first written in the 18th century. This was during the Ayutthaya Kingdom. King Rama I of the Chakri dynasty compiled the version we know today. He even wrote parts of it himself.
Rama II adapted his father’s Ramakien for khon drama. This version gives Hanuman a bigger role. It also adds a happy ending.
Since its introduction, the Ramakien has become a key part of Thai culture. The Ramakien of Rama I is a Thai literary masterpiece. It is still taught in schools.
The Ramakien’s tales mirror the Ramayana. They are set in Ayutthaya’s topography and culture. Phra Narai, Vishnu’s Thai incarnation, is reborn as Phra Ram.
Key figures include Phra Ram and his wife, Nang Sida. There is also Hanuman, the ape god-king. Enemies include Thotsakan. He is the demon king of Lanka.
The Ramakien’s plot unfolds in three parts. The first part explains the characters’ origins. The second depicts dramatic events. These include Thotsakan’s fall. The final part describes what happens afterward.
The story begins with Phra Narai vanquishing the demon Hiranyaksha. It includes tales of Thotsakan’s ancestors. Phra Isuan grants Nonthok a deadly power. Phra Narai tricks Nonthok, who is reborn as Thotsakan.
The Sala of Ramayana is more than just a gallery. It is a portal into the heart of Thai culture. It embodies centuries of history and artistic brilliance. As you gaze upon these murals, remember that you are witnessing a story that has shaped a nation. It continues to inspire generations. Let the vibrant colors and epic tales resonate within you long after you leave this sacred space.