Phra That Lan Chang of Arts: Relevance to Literature, Belief and Local Isan Arts

Abstract

The objectives of this research article were to study: 1) Historical aspect and art form of the Phra that; and 2) Literature and beliefs about Phra That. The study applied a qualitative research method by studying data from written documents and field works. The data were presented in a descriptive analysis form. The study found that: 1) Phra That Lan Chang Shrine was modeled from the belief of Phra That Phanom and was influenced by nearby arts. Phra That Phanom was based on arts and religious architectures of religious sites of the Hindu onward to Mahayan Buddhism or Davaravadi Period. By the 22nd Buddhist Century, Lan Chang Kingdom was very splendorous, especially in Buddhism. Many architectures were constructed, such as Phra That Shrines. 2) Concerning literature and beliefs, the legend of Urangadat Shrine was the center of literatures on beliefs. Urangadat legend was the main legend, covering geographical culture, society, value, and beliefs. The main content was about the visit of the Buddha and the Buddha had predicted that the land would become very prosperous for Buddhism and more people would become Buddhist followers. The Urangadat legend has been recorded and continued spreading. Besides, it spread through klon lam poetry and lam singing. In addition, it spread in the form of folk tale of Phra That in other localities that related to the main legend. Phra That Lan Chang in each locality become the reverence or sacred site for people to pay respect. The practices becomes a tradition toward the Phra That Shrines, resulting toward solidarity, unity, and happiness of the people in the communities.