Giant Swing and Brahmin Temple

In great urban centers such as Ayutthaya, Nakhon Si Thammarat and Bangkok, Hindu beliefs were om ni pres ent in the traditions and rituals of common people and court, alike. Indeed, special sites were des ig nat ed for the staging of important Brahmin rites. One such sacred place was known to the townspeople of the Ayutthaya period as the Giant Swing which stands before the Brahmin Temple. One such site, consisting mainly of the swing, itself, and the Wihan of Shiva and of Vishnu, can still be seen today in Nakhon Si Thammarat.

The ceremonial swing was set in motion by the Brahmin as a dramatic offering to the gods, demonstrating loyalty and gratitude in return for the yearly divine epiphany from heaven. The shrine also has two wihan, one is dedicated to Shiva, the god of destruction and his son, Ganesha, representing the spirit of wisdom. The other is dedicated to Vishnu, the preserver of the world. Re ceiv ing these 2 deities and witnessing their ascent took place in separate moments.

First came the descent of Shiva, and after the great oscillations of the giant swing, the destroyer would again ascend to heaven. This royal rite is recorded in the Book of the 12 Month Royal Ceremonies. Such rituals were staged on behalf of the town in hopes that they would prosper. Court and town folk, alike, were spectators at these special festivals.

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