The future king
When Rama's father senses he is approaching death, he decides to declare that his eldest son Rama should succeed him. Rama tours in a procession around the kingdom of Ayudhya as the public announcement is made. All the people rejoice because Rama is known as a just and virtuous prince. (Learn more)
Learn more
Rama is shown to the people of Ayudhya and announced as their future king, as depicted on a mural painting at the Emerald Buddha Temple. Dressed in gold clothes and painted with his characteristic green skin, Rama is carried on a golden sedan chair just outside the palace walls. Many courtiers attend to him carrying golden lances, royal umbrellas, and other heirlooms of the ruling family.
These kinds of ornamental umbrellas or parasols are Hindu and Buddhist symbols of protection and nobility. In tropical Asia, parasols often are used as protection from the sun and heat rather than rain. They signify a noble person’s ability to control the strong forces of the universe.
Learn more about Bangkok, Buddhist symbols, Emerald Buddha Temple, Rama, Ramayana, art, kings, murals, paintings, processions, royal heirlooms, and royal succession.
Photographs by Margery Freeman · Text by Lorraine Aragon
The text of this page is copyright ©2007. See terms of use. Images and other media may be licensed separately; see captions for more information and read the fine print. | Cover | Contents | Index | About the photograph
