The Legend of Tha Tien
When discussing the giants of Wat Jaeng and Wat Pho, one cannot help but mention the legend of Tha Tien. The name “Tha Tien” has various origins. Some say it arose during the reign of King Rama IV when a massive fire occurred in this area, leaving it flat and barren. As a result, a story emerged to diminish the horror of the fire, transforming it into a tale of battling giants. Others believe the name comes from “Ha Tien” or “Ha Tien,” a port city at the mouth of the Mekong River. This free-trade port was an independent state under the protection of Cambodia, Vietnam, and Siam until it was annexed by Vietnam in 1832. In Thai documents, it is referred to as Bantay Mas or Phutthaimas. This area was once home to Vietnamese refugees fleeing the war from Hue during the Thonburi period, which led to the locality in Bangkok being called Ha Tien due to its landscape resembling Ha Tien, easing their nostalgia for their homeland. Over time, the name evolved into Tha Tien.
Source: GMM25 Thailand and History of Temples.
Image: The Battle of Tha Tien (Source: Ekakrat Worasamut Prakan)
The Battle of Tha Tien Due to Debt Collection
The story of the conflict between the giants of Wat Jaeng and Wat Pho describes how the two giants were once friends. One day, the giant from Wat Pho, lacking funds, crossed the Chao Phraya River to borrow money from the giant at Wat Jaeng. Although the giant at Wat Jaeng lent the money, when the repayment was due, the giant at Wat Pho refused to return it. This led the giant at Wat Jaeng to cross the river to collect the debt, resulting in a battle. The immense power of both giants flattened the trees in their path until finally, Lord Shiva descended to punish them by cursing them into becoming stone. The giant from Wat Pho was assigned to guard the pavilion, while the giant from Wat Jaeng stood watch at the vihara. The location of their battle is known as “Tha Tien.” However, in reality, the giant at Wat Jaeng stands guard at the entrance of the ubosot, not the vihara.
Source: Exotic Quixotic and Win News.