A Great number of Votive tablets aged nearly 1,000 years old

At Wiang Kum Kam

     Wiang Kum Kam was established in 1281 AD by the revered King Meng-Rai, but most unfortunately, the place was destroyed after only 15 years when the Ping River suddenly changed its course and flooded the city. Therefore King Meng-Rai moved his capital to Chiang Mai. After flood inundated his city, Wiang Kum Kam was rapidly buried under alluvial soil. Through time, the name of Wiang Kum Kam which should not be forgotten, slowly faded away from memory and was believed to be only a town in legend. History became legend… Legend became myth… And for nearly a thousand years, the place was nearly passed out of all knowledge. Until when chance came..

                          
                           http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bflVwdMTlbk

    In 1984 a systematic archeological study of Wiang Kum Kam began after some villagers discovered dozens of Votive tablets in the ground of Wat Chang Kham area. Then, an excavation to collect more data was carried out by the Fine Arts Department archeologists. The excavation was productive as it yielded a lot of evidence confirming that the area where Wiang Kum Kam was located in the same place as the one mentioned in legend.

                               
     Phra Pim (Votive tablets) which found at Wiang Kum Kam are divided in 3 groups and 2 ages (17-18 BE. and 19 BE.) as follow:
   
1) Phra Pim Soom Buddhakaya, there are 2 models:
       
     (1.1) Buddha image in Mara Wichai posture (sitting cross-legged, left hand turn on and placed on legs, right hand scowl on knee) sitting in Arch and above of arch appear top part of Sikara style building, 2 side of it have branch of Sri Maha Bhodi tree and the Great Buddha are flanked by stupas. Local collectors named the votive “ Phra La Wo” which was found at Wat Kan Thom area.

                               

      (1.2) Buddha image in Mara Wichai posture as 1st model with 2 side of Buddha image appear 2 of his disciples and above them are 2 stupas. Local collectors called the votive “Phra Kong Luang” which was found at Wat Kan Thom and Wat Kum

Kam.         

2) Phra Pim has 3 main Buddha images in one votive, there are 2 models:

    (2.1) Phra Pim Tri Guy : decorative Buddha image sitting in Mara Wichai posture on a lotus throne and another 2 decorative Buddha images are sitting on 2 sides of a principal Buddha image. This model has 2 more styles that are as follow:
            (2.1.1) Phra Sam Wiang Tha Kan which has 2 Buddha images sitting in meditation posture at the side of the main Buddha in subduing the Mara posture . All the 3 Buddha images sitting under arch of Khmer Style Pagoda. They were found at Wat Kan Thom.
                      

               (2.1.2) Phra Sam Wat Phra Kong Lersi differs in style from the former. This votive has 3 main sitting Buddhas in Mara Wichai posture (Subduing Mara). They are sitting under the arch branches of Bodhi tree on top of them. At the bottom side of left & right, are 4 Mara Wichai posture Buddha image, making a total of 8. In the middle, below the 3 main Buddha are 9 small Pagodas. They were found at Kuu Rid Maai.
                     

       (2.2) Phra Pim which shown more than 3 Buddha images on:
               (2.2.1) Phra Sib : 10 Buddha images in Soom Ruankaew (Arch). They’re divided in 2 rows with 5 Buddha images for 1 row. The upper row have 3 standing Buddha images and brace with 2 meditation posture Buddha images. The lower row shows 5 Buddha images in Mara Wichai posture. They’re found at Kuu Ai Larn.

                 

              (2.2.2) Phra Sib Song or Phra Pad : shown a decorative principle Buddha image sitting cross-legged in Mara Wichai posture on high base and 2 Buddha images sitting by left & right side. And above the Arch display 5 Buddha images in Mara Wichai posture, thus it is called “Phra Pad(3+5)”. However, there are some who called the votive “Phra Sib Song(12)” because of 4 more enlightened beings images which are on the side of Phra Pim. They’re found at Wat Hua Nong and Wat Bot.
  
   

3) Phra Pim in local culture style of Lamphun
        (3.1) Phra Pim Prok Bodhi is a single Buddha image in Mara Wichai posture. The Victory Buddha is sitting on the throne under the Bodhi tree. Several different types were found, whereby different names were given, such as Phra Rod, Phra Kong, Phra Perm, etc.

   

        (3.2) Phra Pim Roob Sam Leam is in triangle shape consisting of Buddha image in Mara Wichai Posture brace with Bodhisattva. This Phra Pim has several models which were given different names. For example:

              

               (3.2.1) Phra Leng  : shown a Mara Wichai Posture Buddha image which
decorated with King’s ornaments. He is sitting on a lotus throne and brace with Bodhisattva each holding a lotus. Under throne have 3 elephant’s head bearing the Buddha. They are found at Wat Kan Thom and Wat Kuu Rid Mai.

                 

Edited by Clement Lim