|
As a General, his most famous battle was fought and won at Latya (Kanchanaburi Province) in A.D. 1785
when he led 30,000 soldiers against the Burmese army of 90,000 soldiers. As he ws very brave and decisive, he was given the nickname "Phraya Sua" (The Tiger General).
He was of the same opinion as his brother in his determination to make Bangkok as glorious as Ayutthaya Period.
When the country gradually returned to place he commenced to uphold the standard of Buddhism by building temples. He renovated Wat Salak, a small ancient temple where he
had hid while being pursued by the Burmese. He made this temple a large royal temple and gave it the name "Wat Nipphanaram". Later when the Buddhist convocation
took place here the name was changed to "Wat Phra Sisanphet". The present name is Wat Mahatath Yuwarat Rangsarit. He also
reconstructed other temples like Wat Chanasongkhram and Wat Sampheng with his own money.
Somdej Kroma Phraratchwangbowon Mahasurasinghanath risided at the Palace to the Front which at present is occupied by the National Museum, Thammasat University
and The National Theatre. He passed away on the 3rd of November A.D. 1803 at Buraphaphimuk Palace when he was 60 years of age.
The First Prince of the Palace to the Front of the Bangkok period devoted himself to many heroic deels for his beloved country.
His name has been given to an army camp and his statue was to be put in as a model of a great worrior, but not as a national monument.
So a committee was organized among the old students of Wat Mahathat and other people, to plan the building of such a monument. The
Fine Arts Department was asked to make the model and to cast the statue in bronze. Rear Admiral Prachuab Ponkla ex-Director General
of Naval Dockyard Department designed the base and was responsible for the engraving and decoration of the backgroung.
The Monument of Somdej Kroma Phraratchwangbowon Mahasurasinghanath
This monument is in the north-eastern part of the temple, at the corner of Phrachan Road and Na-Phrathat Road. The satatue is in
bronze. One and a half times life size, it stands facing Sanam Luang, raising a sword in both hand. The posture of the stature has the following meanings:
1. He raises his beloved sword in offering to the Buddha, recalling the gesture of Emperor Ashoka of India. Having gone through many
battles and given the country peace, he put down his sword and turned a life of devotion to uphold Buddhism.
2. He strongly intended to try on the power of the Triple Gem to protect the country from all dangers, and he endeavoured to make Buddhism great throughout the ages.
3. He propitiated the Gods, the spirits of part kings and brave soldiers, and encouraged the Thai people to unite in protecting the nation, keeping it free and at peace.
This statue stands on a marble pedestal at both sides of which are ornamental flowers in bronze. In front are other objects used in
worship like a large basin of sacred water, a candle stand and a pot for joss-stick. The pedestal stands on a marble floor. From the floor there are steps both on the left and the
right leading to the statue. On the right of the statue there is a large piece of marble upon which his life-story has been inscribed in golden letters.
On the left of the stone the inscription says: His Majesty the King came to lay the corner stone on the 22nd of December A.D.
1978 and he came to dedicate the monument on the 1st of November A.D. 1979
On the right the inscription says: the students of Wat Mahatath and the people jointly built this monument in remembrance of
our ancestors who gave up their lives to protect our independence.
The grounds around the monument are very well designed and planted with lawns and flowers. There are open fences around the
monument so that everyone who passes by is able to see the monument which is raised above eye-level. It draws respect from the passers-by
and at the same time reminds them of the heroic deeds and bravery of our ancestors so as to encourage coming generations to protect our country forever.
|
