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The Story of Subanahongsa royal barge |
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Written by aaa bbb
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Sunday, 13 January 2008 |
The name Subanahongsa, or golden hamsa, refers to the swan-like mythical steed
of the Hindu god Brahma, which first appeared in Thai lore during the Ayutthaya
period. King Rama I ordered the Subanahongsa built soon after his accession to
the throne in 1782.
The name Subanahongsa, or golden hamsa, refers to the swan-like mythical steed
of the Hindu god Brahma, which first appeared in Thai lore during the Ayutthaya
period. King Rama I ordered the Subanahongsa built soon after his accession to
the throne in 1782.
The vessel was in constant use as the principal
royal barge until it became too old to be repaired. King Rama VI then commanded
the construction of its successor, which was launched on November 13, 1911, and
also named Subanahongsa.
In state processions, the vessel carries
either a spired throne or a roofed pavilion surrounded by court officials. The
Subanahongsa was made from the trunk of a single teak tree. It is said that the
master craftsman threw away all his tools after its completion and vowed never
to work again. Whether this is true or not, Subanahongsa is the most majestic of
all the royal barges.
 The picture of real Supan Nahong royal
barge.
Its hamsa figurehead is raised in flight with
eyes bulging prominently, nostrils flared, and fangs protruding from its
grimacing mouth. The hamsa holds a crystal ball and tassel in its mouth and
wears a garland and pendant around its neck. Its feathers, represented by gilded
and mirrored ornamentation, appear to flow in the wind along the length of its
body to its flame-like tail.
Information courtesy of Bangkok Post. See more
information at http://www.bangkokpost.net/royalbarge/ |
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