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Giant Swing
The Ceremony of Triyampavai-Tripavai, was
one of the 12 Royal ceremonies held in each month since
the Sukhothai period. It was carried out in December, the
first lunar month. By the Rattanakosin period, it had changed
to the second lunar month, January.
It was regarded by the Brahmins as a new year's
ceremony. Shiva was said to visit the Earth for 10 days
every year. Brahmins would meet at Shiva's shrine and wash
the bodies and hair of priests to welcome Shiva.
Swing Ceremony : Originates
from a story in the scriptures. Concerned about the end
of the world, Uma Devi contrived a bet with Shiva. A serpent
was suspended between Putsa trees (Jujube) on the river,
swinging back and forth between them. Shiva stood in its
path on one leg with the other crossed. If the serpent struck
Shiva and he fell, that would signify that the world would
end. But Shiva did not fall, proving that the whole of creation
was secured and strong, so Shiva won. The Swing Ceremony
compares the swing to the Putsa trees, while the space between
its posts is the river. Naliwan is the serpent, with Phraya
Yuen standing cross-legged on a benjamas wood.
Giant Swing : King Rama I
ordered it built in front of the Devasathan at the centre
of the city. It was moved to its present position in the
reign of King Rama V, to make room for a gas plant. The
ceremony was removed from the list of royal ceremonies in
the reign of King Rama VII. At present, it may still be
held with Royal sponsorship, but only in the Devasathan.
How to get there
Bus routes : 10, 12, 19, 35, 42, 56, 96
Air-con Bus : 42
Opening Hour : Daily
Admission Fee : Free Admission
