The Main Features of Pilgrimage Journey as Meritorious Actions during the Age of Rattanakosin

ลักษณะเด่นนิราศบุณยยาตราสมัยรัตนโกสินทร์ในฐานะบุญกิริยาวัตถุ

Abstract

This research aimed to study 1) the main features of content in the Nirat Boonyattra (the poem of pilgrimage journey) during the age of Rattanakosin, and 2) the composition concept of the Nirat Boonyattra as the meritorious actions. 14 Buddhist place-related literatures were investigated. The results revealed that 5 content sections were categorized as 1) route, 2) Buddhist place depiction, 3) worshipping, 4) wish making and merit share, and 5) merit pass in order to express faith in the Triple Gem as Buddhist literature by detailed narrative. The narrative acted as a medium to allow the readers and the listeners to have a collective felicitation as if they were on the journey with the poet. The poem maker accordingly received the merit from the felicitation and his composition.