The Crowned Archway (Pratu Sum Yot Mongkut)
The Crowned Archway is the front gate leading into the Phra Ubosot area. It was constructed during the reign of King Rama III (Phra Bat Somdet Phra Nangklao Chao Yu Hua). It’s a chatthuramuk (four-gabled) gate with a three-tiered roof and surrounding verandahs, topped with a crown-shaped spire. The archway is adorned with colorful ceramic tiles. Its roof is covered with glazed tiles, and the chofa (sky-reaching finials), bai raka (naga-scale finials), hua nak (naga head finials), and hang hong (swan tail finials) are stucco elements embellished with ceramic tiles. The na ban (gable front) is stucco relief decorated with ceramic tiles, featuring leaf and floral patterns, as well as choeng klon (eave fascia) and kho song (necking) in the royal style favored by King Rama III. It’s believed that passing under this archway will bring career advancement, good standing, and promotion.
The Giants of Wat Chaeng
Positioned in front of the Crowned Archway, King Rama III commissioned Luang Thep (Kan), a sculptor, to create two statues of Phaya Yak (giant demons). These giants stand on pedestals approximately three wa (about 6 meters) in height, with both hands clasping a downward-pointing club. They guard the front archway of the Phra Ubosot, one on each side.
These two Phaya Yak were created in accordance with Buddhist beliefs: 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, with all spirits and demons fearing them.
Beyond the influence of Buddhist beliefs, the creation of these two giants also draws from ancient Thai art and the epic literature of the Ramakien. The green-bodied giant standing on the south side is Thotsakan (Ravana), and the white-bodied giant standing on the north side is Sahatsadecha. Both are depicted as giants of supreme power. The statues of these two Phaya Yak at Wat Chaeng were crafted precisely according to the ancient principles of Thai Khon (masked dance-drama) artistry, possessing nine unique auspicious characteristics that define them as “royal giants.”
In recent years, the reverence that Thai people have for the sacredness of Thao Wessuwan has led the giants of Wat Chaeng to become highly respected and revered by the local community. As sacred effigies of Thao Wessuwan, the lord of all giants, these Wat Chaeng giants are not only the oldest and first recorded pair of giants in Siamese history, but also the most famous as they have a continuous connection with both the royal court and the common people. Many visitors come to pay respect and pray for happiness and fulfillment in their relationships, careers, and for good fortune. When paying homage to the Phaya Yak statues at Wat Chaeng, it’s customary to seek blessings from both giants and to recite prayers.
Incantation for Worshipping the Phaya Yak of Wat Chaeng:
Namo Tassa Bhagavato Arahato Samma Sambuddhassa (Recite 3 times)
(Homage to the Exalted One, the Worthy One, the Perfectly Self-Enlightened One.)
Yakkho Yo Arune Ramme Vararame Patiṭṭhito The Yaksha
(Who is established in the beautiful Wat Arun.)
Yakkhānan dhipatī Yakkho Yakhe So Abhipālako
(The lord of Yakshas, that Yaksha is the protector of Yakshas.)
Hiri Otṭappa Sampanno Dhammiko Bhāga Māwaho
(Endowed with conscience and dread of wrongdoing, righteous, bringing fortune.)
Etassevānubhāvena Sadā Sotthī Bhavantu Me
(By the power of this (Yakshas), may constant well-being be mine.)
Meaning of the Incantation
“To any Phaya Yak of Wat Chaeng, who is enshrined at Wat Arun Ratchawararam, the delightful royal temple. That Phaya Yak of Wat Chaeng is supreme over all giants, protecting and safeguarding both giants and humans. Possessing a sense of shame for wrongdoing and dread of its consequences, upholding the Buddha’s teachings, and bringing good fortune, honor, and auspiciousness. By the power of that Phaya Yak of Wat Chaeng, may well-being and blessings always be upon me.”
Did You Know: People often tie silk fabric as an offering to pay homage to the Phaya Yak of Wat Chaeng.
Sacred Objects of Phaya Yak Wat Chaeng
It’s believed that the Phaya Yak of Wat Chaeng are the oldest and most ancient archetype of Phaya Yak in Thailand, specifically in the Rattanakosin era. They have been revered since ancient times, believed to possess ten auspicious powers:
- Phaya Yak of Wat Chaeng are charming giants. When worshipped, they bring great favor and affection.
- Phaya Yak of Wat Chaeng are giants of prestige. They bring fame, honor, power, and promotion.
- Phaya Yak of Wat Chaeng are giants with international renown. They bestow great popularity, respect, and admiration from others.
- Sacred objects of Phaya Yak Wat Chaeng are supreme in protecting from various accidents.
- Sacred objects of Phaya Yak Wat Chaeng are supreme in ensuring safety and avoiding danger.
- Sacred objects of Phaya Yak Wat Chaeng can be worshipped to dispel ill omens, black magic, evil spirits, and negative influences.
- Sacred objects of Phaya Yak Wat Chaeng are supreme in protecting one’s destiny, strengthening one’s fortune, and resolving or preventing astrological conflicts for the year or stars.
- Sacred objects of Phaya Yak Wat Chaeng can be worshipped to counteract and dissolve negative energies, especially for homes located at a three-way intersection.
- Sacred objects of Phaya Yak Wat Chaeng are wealthy giants. When worshipped, they bring excellent trade, outstanding profits, and comfortable prosperity.
- Sacred objects of Phaya Yak Wat Chaeng are supreme in bringing prosperity. When worshipped, one will achieve success in life and career, leading to a stable and thriving business, and a peaceful and happy life.
Anyone interested in acquiring one can do so at Sala Arun Naraphirom.
