Camadevi

Cāmadevī ( Pali; Thai พระนาง จาม เทวี, Phra Nang Chamathewi; 7th to 8th or early 9th century AD) is a well- historical ruler of Hariphunchai, one belonging to the Dvaravati kingdom of the Mon culture in what is now northern Thailand. In order to spin numerous legends. Among other things, she is the main character of the written in Pali Cāmadevīvaṃsa, a work of the monk Mahathera Bodhiraṃsi of Chiang Mai from the 15th century.

Legend

Historical

Camadevi originally came from Lopburi, the time of his Lavo. Her father was the local Mon - ruler, and sent to the north to bring civilization and Buddhism in the local area. We know relatively little about the historical person, but the legend is more alive - and still Camadevi has a special place in the traditional culture of the North.

Foundling and Youth

The Chronicles of the north, especially the often mentioned in connection with the Queen con - singing, telling us that she was found as a newborn by a hermit in a giant lotus flower. He pulled them up, protected them and provided for their education, before he sent them to Lopburi, where she was adopted by the king, who was responsible for the completion of their training. Whether she married one of his sons, remains unclear, but at least she was pregnant. And maybe they sent the king to the north because they had become unmarried pregnant.

Also, it should be increased in the temple in front of a Buddha statue over a burning lamp, and for this unpardonable sin she was cursed. According to legend, she then had a strong body odor which was perceived at long distances back. On the way north, they said to have bathed in the river, after which the water stank so much that gathered on the banks of the vultures who thought they find a dead elephant in the water.

Establishment of Hariphunchai

Later Chamadevi returned with a large entourage on the Chaophraya and the ping to the home of her first foster father, who had meanwhile built up miraculously a city for them Hariphunchai. She gave birth to twins shortly after their arrival, which secured the succession. This was very convenient, because legend has it, that some Mon were you not particularly well disposed in the area. In particular, the ruler of the Lawa, who settled near the Doi Suthep, King Luang Viranga, felt rebuffed when she rejected his proposal of marriage, or at least held out to him for a time with a reply.

Viranga

But then they had to add the military situation and agreed with Viranga on a bet: if he can throw a spear from Doi Suthep in its surrounded by ramparts town, so she would give him her hand. This was so far a major challenge that the summit of Doi Suthep was more than 20 miles from Hariphunchai away.

According to legend, Viranga threw his spear until shortly before the walls of the city, which the Queen in turn alerted to highest. Fearing that he might yet be successful, they sent him a poisoned chalice in the form of a hat, which was made of her stained with menstrual blood petticoat. Viranga was delighted with the gift, but it showed the esteem in which he proved the queen, and put on his hat.

The second litter was not far from his feet to the ground. Viranga now realized the true nature of the gift, which he had held for a compliment: It was a deception and deprived him of all his powers. He was deeply disappointed and desperate.

The third throw with his spear Viranga sat straight up in the air, the spear fell back to the ground and hit him fatally in the chest. Nevertheless Viranga is still a respected character in the tradition of the people and appears in some of the most important ceremonies.

Queen

Camadevi survived and saw grow their city and its sphere of influence increase.

Effect

Today there is a Camadevi Wat in Lamphun.

In some ceremonies of the North Camadevi is presented as a highly revered person.