The Crowned Archway and the Phaya Yak of Wat Chaeng
The Sum Pratu Song Mongkut (Crowned Archway) serves as the main entrance gate to the Phra Ubosot, situated in the center of the eastern Phra Rabiang (cloister/verandah).
Its architectural style is an akhan khrueang yot (tiered-roof structure) with a langkha chatthuramuk (four-gabled roof), layered in 3 tiers, and a surrounding eaves/awning layer. The spire is khrueang yot song mongkut (crown-shaped). The pan lom (bargeboards) are in the khrueang lamyong style. The patterns on the na ban (gable front), as well as the kho song (necking) panels featuring rup bua ngai (inverted lotus motifs) that support the gable roof, are crafted as stucco relief adorned with colored glazed tiles, utilizing a technique of cutting and assembling tile pieces into various patterns.
In front of the Crowned Archway, during the reign of Phra Bat Somdet Phra Nangklao Chao Yu Hua (King Rama III), he commissioned Luang Thep (Kan), a sculptor, to create two Phaya Yak (giant demon) statues. These giants stand on pedestals approximately 3 wa (about 6 meters) tall, with both hands clasping a downward-pointing club. They serve as thawaraban (guardian figures) guarding the front archway of the Phra Ubosot, with one on each side. On the north side is the white-bodied giant, Sahatsadecha, and on the south side is the white-bodied giant, Thotsakan.
Both giants were crafted using the stucco relief technique, adorned with custom-made colored glazed tiles specifically designed as decorative pieces for various parts of the Phaya Yak.
What is Yak?
Yak (giants/ogres) are a type of amanut (non-human beings or mythical beings) mentioned in both religious texts and literature. This Thai belief is influenced by both Brahmanism and Buddhism, holding that Yak exist on various levels depending on their accumulated merit. High-ranking Yak are believed to have golden celestial palaces and beautiful forms, typically without visible fangs, which only emerge when they are enraged. Mid-level Yak usually serve as attendants to the higher-ranking ones. Lower-ranking Yak, who have less merit, are often depicted with frightening appearances, curly black hair, rough skin, and fierce dispositions.
It can be observed that in various temples and ancient sites, Yak figures are often incorporated as part of the architecture. Examples include the Yak statues supporting pagodas at Wat Phra Kaeo, the Yak statues bearing the Phra Prang at Wat Chaeng, or the Yak at Wat Pho, among others. Legend has it that the Buddha taught and instructed Yak to reduce their arrogance and pride. Yak who listened and comprehended the Dharma transformed into supporters and upholders of Buddhism, or, in another sense, became “bearers of heaven.” They serve as protectors of stupas, sacred sites, and holy buildings, thereby ensuring the stability and prosperity of Buddhism for generations to come. (Source: https://www.winnews.tv/news/10179)
Phaya Yak Wat Chaeng
The two Phaya Yak (giant demon) statues standing on either side of the Crowned Archway, which serves as the entrance to the Phra Ubosot of Wat Arun Ratchawararam, are popularly known as the “Giants of Wat Chaeng.” Their history dates back to the reign of King Rama III, who commissioned their creation towards the end of his rule. The green-bodied giant is Thotsakan, the King of Longka, standing on the south side. The white-bodied giant is Sahatsadecha, the ruler of Muang Pangtan, standing on the north side. (Source: https://www.exoticquixotic.com/stories/wat-pho-wat-jaeng-giants and https://historyoftemples.kachon.com/358718)
Both Phaya Yak were created in accordance with Buddhist beliefs, as Phaya Yak are Dharmapala (protectors of the Dharma), safeguarding the teachings, the world, and good people. They represent the powerful guardian deities of Wat Arun Ratchawararam and are considered lords of ghosts and demons. Furthermore, they also embody hiri-ottappa (conscience and dread of wrongdoing) and the Phromwihan 4 (the Four Sublime States of Mind, which are principles that lead people to act nobly towards themselves and others, namely: loving-kindness, compassion, appreciative joy, and equanimity).
