| Pantai Norasingh: Loyal Mariner Hailed For His Honesty, Integrity | ||
| UPDATE : 17 May 2010 | ||
Throughout history, humanity has learned from the successes and failures of numerous heroes and heroines. But when it comes to role models in the kingdom, the story of Pantai Norasingh, a Royal steersman during King Sanphet VIII’s reign (1703-1709), comes to mind for his selfless act of honesty and integrity. The story is set in 1704, when the monarch King Sanphet VIII (of the Ayutthaya era [1350-1767]) visited Klong Khok Kham (‘Khok Kham Canal’), which is known for its unwieldy bends and an incredibly strong current. Under the hazardous conditions, Pantai Norasingh struggled to maintain control over the Ekkachai Royal barge, and eventually the vessel’s bow broke after hitting part of a tree. Rule of Law Since King Sanphet VIII understood that it was impossible for Pantai Norasingh to retain control of the barge under such difficult conditions, he didn’t wish to punish the steersman, but Pantai Norasingh nevertheless insisted that he face the law in the same way any other individual must face the law. After being beheaded, the king called for a shrine to be built in the steersman’s honor, while Pantai Norasingh remains to this day a role model for honesty, integrity and self-discipline. King Sanphet VIII later ordered about 3,000 men to participate in a project aimed at straightening the canal through to the point where it joins the Tha Chin River. The canal was first known as Klong Sanam Cha (‘Sanam Cha Canal’) before being renamed Klong Mahachai (‘Mahachai Canal’) and then Klong Than (‘Than Canal’) by local people. Although nobody is sure where the original shrine dedicated to Pantai Norasingh is located, there are now several shrines dedicated to him throughout Samut Sakhon province’s Pantai Norasingh subdistrict. Depictions Abound I recently had the chance to visit the temple of Wat Sarn Pantai Norasingh, which is also home to a shrine dedicated to the famous mariner.
There is also an ancient barge nearby measuring almost 20 meters in length, which is thought to be one of the original vessels in the barge procession in which Pantai Norasingh lost control of the Royal vessel. Located right behind the shrine is a set of life-size sculptures depicting scenes of when the unfortunate mariner pleaded with the king for the correct punishment to be carried out. There is also a stake nearby, which is said to mark the place where the execution of Pantai Norasingh took place. Colorful Finale Finally, I headed for the temple itself, which features a new ordination hall and a number of colorful mural paintings. While traditional-style murals tend to be the norm in most temples in the kingdom, the paintings at Wat Sarn Pantai Norasingh are contemporary in style. Should you get the chance to visit the temple, don’t forget to check out the ceiling area, which, using a clever blend of blue and purple, has the effect of bringing a gold-colored wheel, representing Buddhism, to the fore. Transport Connections: Car: From Bangkok, take Rama II Road and then Highway 35 all the way to Samut Sakhon province. Look out for Route 2004 and follow this road for eight kilometers before turning left at the first T-junction you come to. Follow this road until you spot the Pantai Norasingh Shrine and Wat Sarn Pantai Norasingh on your left. POI: 13.53256, 100.3789 | ||
วันอังคารที่ 1 มิถุนายน พ.ศ. 2553
Pantai Norasingh: Loyal Mariner Hailed For His Honesty, Integrity
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