Ministry of Culture Launches Route Celebrating King Tilokarat and Sacred Relics

General

Chiang Mai: The Ministry of Culture has inaugurated a new cultural route designed to celebrate the legacy of Phra Chao Tilokarat, with a focus on paying homage to the sacred relics associated with the Year of the Snake. The activity, titled 'Following the Path of Faith: Storytelling Path of King Tilokarat and Paying Homage to the Relics of the Year of the Snake,' was officially launched at Wat Photharam Mahawihan (Wat Chet Yot) in Chiang Mai Province by the Minister of Culture, Sudarat.

According to Thai News Agency, the event was attended by several dignitaries, including Mr. Prasop Riangngen, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, and Mr. Chaipol Suk-iam, Director-General of the Department of Religious Affairs. Also present were Mr. Wiraphong Ritrod, Deputy Governor of Chiang Mai Province, along with executives from the Ministry of Culture, provincial culture officials, civil servants, and members of the public.

The Ministry of Culture, through the Department of Religious Affairs, is collaborating with provincial cultural offices and network agencies nationwide to promote opportunities for Buddhists to pay homage to the relics of the 12 zodiac signs. The initiative, part of the religious pilgrimage project, aims to enhance local identity, stimulate the grassroots economy, and promote temples and religious sites as centers for historical and cultural tourism.

The Lanna tradition of worshiping zodiac-specific pagodas is a long-held belief. It is believed that before birth, a human soul resides in a pagoda associated with their zodiac sign. This has led to a deeply rooted cultural practice among the Lanna people of worshipping these pagodas for good fortune. For those born in the Year of the Snake, the sacred relic is the 'Phra Maha Chedi Buddha Gaya' in Bihar, India, a replica of which is located at Wat Photharam Mahawihan in Chiang Mai Province.

The year 2568 is designated as the Year of the Snake, or 'Little Snake,' in the Lanna calendar. The pagoda at Wat Photharam Mahawihan holds significant historical and cultural value, being the site of the 8th world Tripitaka Council over 500 years ago and the first Tripitaka Council in Thailand. This initiative seeks to honor these traditions and stories while providing a spiritual journey for visitors.