Ravana riding gold chariot, (Thai Ramayana mural)
About this photograph
- Creator
- Margery H. Freeman
- Date created
- Unknown
- Location
- Bangkok, Thailand
- License
- This photograph copyright ©2006. Terms of use
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- Search LEARN NC for art, Bangkok, chariots, demons, Emerald Buddha Temple, murals, paintings, Ramayana, Ravana, and Thailand.
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The many-armed demon king Ravana sits on top of his gold chariot in this mural detail from the Emerald Buddha Temple. Two white, lion-like beasts pull Ravana’s two-wheeled chariot, and several charioteers and courtiers attend to his travel comfort. Ravana leans forward from his chariot seat, waving his hands, one of which holds a golden whip or scepter.
Royal gold umbrellas and lances are mounted at the back of the chariot. Ravana’s costume, the chariot, and all the royal regalia are painted in shining gold leaf paint. The chariot is moving along a path through a manicured garden.
Sita who refuses to love her demon kidnapper remains meditating under a tree outside Ravana’s palace. Ravana visits her every day in his chariot to try to change her mind. In vain, Ravana hopes that Sita will accept his advances and forget her love for her husband Rama.
