Phra Buddha Jinaraja
| Phra Phuttha Chinnarat | |
|---|---|
พระพุทธชินราช | |
Phra Phuttha Chinnarat in the main vihāra of Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Buddhism |
| Sect | Theravāda |
| District | Mueang Phitsanulok district |
| Province | Phitsanulok province |
| Ecclesiastical or organisational status | Royal/Principal Buddha image |
| Status | Enshrined |
| Location | |
| Location | Western vihāra of Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat Woramahawihan |
| Country | Thailand |
| Architecture | |
| Established | Sukhothai period (exact date unknown) |
| Specifications | |
| Width | 5 cubits 1 span 5 inches (approx.) |
| Materials | Bronze with lacquer and gilding |
Phra Phuttha Chinnarat (Thai: พระพุทธชินราช) is enshrined in the western vihāra of Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat in Phitsanulok province, Thailand.[1][2] It is believed to have been cast around 1357 CE (B.E. 1900) during the reign of Mahathammaracha I, King of Sukhothai, together with the images Phra Phuttha Chinnasri, Phra Srisattha and Phra Lue.[3] Phra Phuttha Chinnarat is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful Buddha images in Thailand and is among the most frequently reproduced and most revered images in the country.[4]
History
No definitive record exists of its creation. The Northern Chronicle (พงศาวดารเหนือ), compiled in 1807 CE, attributes its construction to King Si Thammasok of Chiang Saen along with the founding of Phitsanulok and the casting of the Chinnasri and Srisattha images.[2]
In 1866, King Mongkut composed a treatise on the Chinnarat, Chinnasri, and Srisattha based on the Northern Chronicle, giving casting dates of B.E. 1498 for Chinnasri and Srisattha and B.E. 1500 for Chinnarat.[4]
In 1880, during the reign of King Chulalongkorn, Prince-Patriarch Paramanuchitchinorot wrote another version connecting the image to the Chakri dynasty.[3]
Prince Damrong Rajanubhab compared artistic evidence and concluded the image was created in the Sukhothai period because its style combines Sukhothai and Chiang Saen elements. He identified the “King Si Thammasok” of the chronicle as Mahathammaracha Lithai, placing the date around B.E. 1900.[4]
Some scholars, such as Pichaya Sumchinda, have proposed a late Ayutthaya date based on the shrine's decorative motifs, but the prevailing view follows Prince Damrong.[2]
The guardian figures and the ornate ruean kaew shrine are thought to be later Ayutthaya additions. The urna (uṇālom) on the forehead was also likely added during that period.[3]
Lacquering and gilding
Originally cast in bronze, the image was not gilded. In 1603 CE, King Ekathotsarot ordered the first application of gold leaf. Subsequent regilding occurred in 1901 CE under King Chulalongkorn and in 2004 CE under King Bhumibol Adulyadej.[4]
Warfare
Despite wars, including the Burmese siege of 1775 CE, the western vihāra housing the Chinnarat was spared destruction.[1]
Replication
In 1899 CE King Chulalongkorn wished to move the original to Bangkok but, respecting local devotion, instead commissioned a faithful replica in 1901 for enshrinement at Wat Benchamabophit.[3]
References
- ^ a b Ministry of Education. (1977). Regulations on National Monuments and Important Buddha Images.
- ^ a b c Piriya Krairiksh. (2008). Lakṣaṇa Thai 1: Thai Buddhist Sculpture. Bangkok: Amarin Printing.
- ^ a b c d Chatri Prakitnonthakan. (2008). Phra Phuttha Chinnarat in the Absolute Monarchy Era. Bangkok: Matichon.
- ^ a b c d Damrong Rajanubhab. (2005). Legends of Important Buddha Images. Bangkok: Matichon.