Divided By Borders, United By Faith: Thailand’s Ayutthaya And India’s Ayodhya

Ayodhya is in India, while Ayutthaya is in Thailand. Separated by geographical bounds, the two towns are linked not just by name, but also by faith, with religious zeal in Ram’s birthplace finding resonance 3,500 kilometres away on a foreign land.

As Ayodhya prepares for the three-day consecration of a huge Ram temple, followers in Ayutthaya are gearing up to partake in the festivities.

The Ayodhya temple trust has also obtained soil from Ayutthaya, which is named after Ayodhya, as well as water from Thailand’s three rivers, the Chao Phraya, Lop Buri, and Pa Sak, for the Ram Temple.

The ancient city of Ayutthaya, located 70 kilometres north of Bangkok, is included as a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its rich and dynamic cultural past.

According to a Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) member in Bangkok, large screens are being installed in Hindu temples in Ayutthaya and other Thai cities for the live broadcast of the January 22 ‘pran pratishtha’ ritual.

Diyas (earthen lamps) would be lit at all temples, and the epic Ramayana would be acted out, with people singing Ram bhajans on the day.

“We have put up big screens where the devotees will see the consecration ceremony live. We have made arrangements for lighting diyas and prasad will also be distributed”, the VHP member stated.

The relationship between the two countries is not confined to Lord Ram and Ayodhya; it can also be shown in festivals and cultural customs.

As India celebrates Kartik Poornima and Dev Deepawali, Thailand observes Loy Krathong, popularly known as Thailand’s Festival of Lights.

At significant spots, the idols of Shiva, Parvati, Ganesha, and Indra, among others, are erected, where people pay their devotion.

The Suvarnabhumi airport in Bangkok also contains massive statues showing ‘Samudra manthana’ as described in the Vishnu Purana.

Aside from Ayutthaya, Hindu temples around Thailand are preparing for huge celebrations on January 22.

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