The Cremation of The Lord Buddha's Effigy (Thailand Local Custom)

The Cremation of The Lord Buddha's Effigy
(Thailand Local Custom at Uttaradit)

An effigy of the Buddha's body

     On week after the anniversary of the death of the Lord Buddha, is Attamee Puja Day, corresponding to the 8th day of the 6th waning moon. In Lublae district of Uttaradit province, "The Cremation of the Lord Buddha" is held. In this ceremony, the villagers create an effigy of the Lord Buddha from bamboo, woven in a sleeping posture measuring about 9 cubits long. The effigy is covered with papier-mache and dressed in yellow robes. The effigy's face is created from plaster of Paris. The body is then laid in a glass coffin. An elegant crematorium is also specially built for the occasion.

     This cremation has been a tradition for over 1 00 years. It was created by  Luang  Phor  Maen, the first  khmer  abbot of Phra Borom Dhatu Tung Yang temple. The event was discontinued after the second World War, due to the poor economic situation.

     In 1968, a chief of Ban Tung Yang, revived the tradition. With the support of the people of Lublae district and other agencies, it has since become a well-known national event.

Procession of the Buddha's Body

      The cremation of the Lord Buddha is held at Phra Borom Dhatu Tung Yang temple, assumes the event since the complete nirvana of the Lord Buddha in Visakha Puja day. The Buddha's body is laid out on an intricately decorated vehicle, followed by a full parade of cars. The procession includes performers dressed as the God lndra, Brahman Gods and angels. The parade moves slowly to the heart of the city, to allow Buddhists to join this merit making ceremony. The venue for the cremation is the ground of Phra Borom Dhatu Tung Yang temple. Finally, the Buddha is brought to the temple and placed on the crematorium. A sermon is held every night.

     Each night is hosted by many different agencies. Tea and coffee are provided for the guests. On the last day, there is a big celebration called "Attamee Puja" (A celebration for the Buddha's relics).

Attamee  Puja Ceremony

     To honor the cremation of the Lord Buddha, Phra Borom Dhatu Tung Yang temple assumes the role of Kusinara city of Buddhist history. The Lublae people then become the people of Kusinara in Buddhist lore. They are   complemented by performers playing Buddha’s disciples, Brahmans, Brahmanas, hermits, Maha Brahma, deities, angels, the King of  Mulla and his royal family.

     According  to  legend,  the  King  of  Mulla  had failed  to light the cremation flame after  3 attempts.  Phra Maha Gassapa and his disciples then arrived and proceeded to erect a regal umbrella, a monk’s alms bowls and water filters in their proper places and worshipped the Buddha’s body.  The fire then ignited by itself and burnt the body completely.  Only the Buddha’s relics then remained.