The Tham Vessantara-jAtaka - Khamkoo

larger scale and outshining all previous records. The following is a shortened translation
of an account of the display as it has been handed down to us.
“His Majesty (King Phra Phuttha Yot Fā, the first of the present
dynasty) appeared in state in the throne hall Busabok Mālā
Chakraphaddi Phimān, surrounded by the royal family, the court and
ministers of the realm, the wise men (Kravijāti), the purohitas of the
royal household and the astrologers, all prostrated before the golden
lotus flowers supporting his royal feet; and devised holding a great
festival of offerings to the priesthood in honour of Buddha’s birth as
Prince Vessantara which is the last and most excellent of all previous
existences of the Great Teacher and the nearest to the one in which he
attained the infinite knowledge (Bodhiyāna). Therefore the King was
pleased to order his most prominent relatives to take charge of the gifts
for the priests reciting the cantos of the Mahā Chāt.
The Second King (H.M.’s younger brother) thereupon undertook to
supply the offerings for the first and last Kandas the former being recited
by the SaNgharāja residing in Wat Mahā Thāt, and the latter by Phra
Phanarat of Wat Pho.
Princes Chau Fa Kroma Khum Senanurak (H.M.’s second son) took
upon himself the care of the gifts for the 2 nd Kanda, etc.
Here follow the names of other princes and princes who assumed
the task of providing the presents for the remaining ten Kandas. All the
King’s children and relatives patronised the exhibition in the capacity of
chief donors and took pleasure. His Majesty in his highly meritorious
deed, made magnificent preparations for the ceremony. The prominent
feature of the festival was thirteen gigantic krachāts pyramidal structures
seven wāhs (33 feet) wide at the bottom, some five and some seven
storied, tapering up into graceful pyramidal structures seven wāha (47
feet) in height. They were surrounded at the base by one storied krachāts
(consisting of a single wicker basket) of smaller size, namely one cubit
wide at the mouth, acting as large krathongs. Both the larger and smaller
krachāt were replete with dry food, boiled rice and sweetmeats prepared
in the best style. All round the upper edge of each story of the krachāts
were stuck sabongs (priestly under garments, the Pāli antarvasaka) in
great numbers and pieces fine white and folded up in the shape of
conical umbrellas, sprays, twigs and flowers, or displayed so as to
represent flags and banners.
By command of the King the eight companies of tamruets (body
guard) and the phrailuangs (tattoed government serfs) erected an
imposing and lofty shed over each krachāt, for shelter from the sun and
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