Giant Swing

The Ceremony of Triyampavai-Tripavai, was one of the 12 Royal ceremonies held in each month since the Sukhothai period. It was carried out in December, the first lunar month. By the Rattanakosin period, it had changed to the second lunar month, January.

It was regarded by the Brahmins as a new year's ceremony. Shiva was said to visit the Earth for 10 days every year. Brahmins would meet at Shiva's shrine and wash the bodies and hair of priests to welcome Shiva.

Swing Ceremony : Originates from a story in the scriptures. Concerned about the end of the world, Uma Devi contrived a bet with Shiva. A serpent was suspended between Putsa trees (Jujube) on the river, swinging back and forth between them. Shiva stood in its path on one leg with the other crossed. If the serpent struck Shiva and he fell, that would signify that the world would end. But Shiva did not fall, proving that the whole of creation was secured and strong, so Shiva won. The Swing Ceremony compares the swing to the Putsa trees, while the space between its posts is the river. Naliwan is the serpent, with Phraya Yuen standing cross-legged on a benjamas wood.

Giant Swing : King Rama I ordered it built in front of the Devasathan at the centre of the city. It was moved to its present position in the reign of King Rama V, to make room for a gas plant. The ceremony was removed from the list of royal ceremonies in the reign of King Rama VII. At present, it may still be held with Royal sponsorship, but only in the Devasathan.

How to get there
Bus routes : 10, 12, 19, 35, 42, 56, 96
Air-con Bus : 42

Opening Hour : Daily
Admission Fee : Free Admission