Ramakien is Thailand's national epic, derived from the Indian Ramayana epic. Many versions of this epic were lost in the destruction of Ayutthaya in 1767. Three versions currently exist, one done in 1797 under the direction of King Rama I. The King even wrote several parts of the story as it is told today. This epic tale has had great influence on Thai literature, art and drama. It is a very important part of Thai life. 

The main story minors the Indian version Ramayana, but many aspects were change to fit the Kingdom of Siam; the clothes, weapons, topography, and elements of nature, all have a distinctive Thai style in the Ramakien.

While Thailand is considered a Theravada Buddhist society, but the Brahman mythology derived from the Ramakien provides Thai legends with this myth and also represents the teachings to help one along the path to enlightenment,  which is the goal of all good Buddhist.

Grand Palace Bangkok             Temple of the Emerald Buddha

Thailand                                     Wat Phra Kaew (Wat Po)

In the mid 1940’s, King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama 9) opened The Grand Palace, in Bangkok, Thailand to the public. It was the first time many Thais and members of the public ever viewed the Story of Ramakien as shown within the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. The Temple of the Emerald Buddha also known as Wat Po (Wat Phra Kaew) is home to one hundred and fifty-three marble carvings mounted in a wall surrounding the temple and provides the world’s best pictorial record of the story of the Ramayana. The stones are approximately 20" x 19”.  These stones were located on the innermost wall of the temple, below the main building. The mocks gather in there every morning to pray, by respect and observe ritual together.

Rubbings from the Ramakien Epic as shown at the Temple of the Emerald Buddha

To purchase Thai Temple Rubbings please click Here

Each picture tells its own story, with King Rama the hero. After Sita, his wife was abducted by Tosacan, the head of the demons; it resulted in a great war. For 14 years the battles raged between Rama, with his monkey army with all nature on his side, and Tosacan, whose army was made up of demons and giants. After much subterfuge, magic, astrology and most unusual happenings, Tosacan died and Sita was returned to King Rama.

Silk Screen Wall Art based on the Ramakien Epic as shown at the Temple of the Emerald Buddha

For Thai Silk Screen Art work for sale on ebay please click Here

This tale is known by all Asians and is a very important part of their history. While unknown by most in the West, it has such importance here that much of the art and culture of the region is based on this epic story.

Character from the Epric Story as shown at Grand Palace

Copyright 2007 Fishinglines Ltd

For more information or if you have questions or comments about this guide please contact me at Fishinglines

If you found this guide to be helpful please vote yes for it, Thank you.