Thursday’s (26 Oct., 2017) long awaited cremation of Thailand’s beloved monarch has now been committed to the annals of history. The procession, conveying the urn from the Dusit Throne Hall to the crematorium, as well as the cremation itself, were executed with an amazing level of accuracy and care, unrivaled in this day of abridged traditions and cost conscious criticisms. The event was totally fitting for a king, who had dedicated his life to the uplift of his people and their livelihoods.

 

Friday morning (27 Oct., 2017) His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn presided over the cremains distribution ceremony, wherein he bathed the bone fragments with scented water, and placed them in six jeweled urns. The first urn, the largest with nine-tier gold umbrella, will be placed in the Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall, along with those of the past eight Chakri kings. The remaining five urns will be given to H.M. Queen Sirikit, King Maha Vajiralongkorn, Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, Princess Chulabhorn and Lady Ubolratana, eldest daughter of His Late Majesty.

The urns were taken from the crematorium to the Song Dham pavilion, where a robe memorial (sadapakorn) was conducted. The fourth procession conveyed the bone cremains and ashes by to the Grand Palace. The six urns were deposited in the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall, while the ashes were deposited in the Phra Sri Ratana Chedi.

So, what’s next?

Today, (28 Oct., 2017), at 17:30 hrs., a royal merit-making ceremony will be performed at the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall.

Tomorrow, October 29, 2017, beginning at 10:30 hrs., The king will offer food the monks, after which, the urn containing the cremains will be installed in the Chakri Maha Prasat.

Phra Angirot, Wat Rajbopit.

At 17:30 hrs. Princess Siriwanwari Nariratna will lead a procession from the Phra Sri Ratana Chedi in Wat Phra Sri Ratanasasadaram (Wat Phra Kheo) to Wat Rajbopit and Wat Bowonniwet, to inter a set of ashes in each monastery.  At Wat Rajbopit a portion of the ashes will be interred under the Phra Angirot, along side those of King Prajadhipok (Rama VII); at Wat Bowonniwet, under the Phra Buddha Jinasiha, behind the ashes of King Vajiravudh (Rama VI). This will officially end the mourning period.

Phra Buddha Jinasiha, Wat Bowonniwet Vihara.