Changing Belief about the Guardian Spirits in Modern Bangkok with Special Reference to Shrines and Idols

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to examine one aspect of change in popular culture in modern Bangkok. That change relates to the belief in the Guardian Spirits of the Land (Phraphuum-Caothii). The evidence for the changes of belief is seen in the changing styles of the shrines and the appearance of new idols. This paper consists of 1112 pieces of data collected in Pathumwan District and Rachathewe District in Bangkok from July to August 1994.Thai people believe in the Guardian Spirits of the Land. They believe there are gods or spirits who guard the land, the people and other objects on that land. These spirits stay in small shrines (Saan Phraphuum) built on the land which they guard. These small shrines can be seen all over the Central Thailand, especially in Bangkok. However, little attention has been given to the beliefs surrounding them.Over the last fifty years, there has been a noticeable change in the architectural style of the shrines. Before the 1950s, a wooden house was the common style of shrine. However, during the 1950s and the 1960s this wooden house style began to disappear. The house began to be replaced by a concrete Buddhist temple. Also, from about 1970 a shrine, in the form of a palace of the Prasart style, began to appear and gain popularity.The idols found in these shrines have also changed over time. At least from the 1960s up to the present, the idol known as Phrachaimongkhon, an idol whose origins are connected with Thai Hindu mythology, has been common. However, from about 1980, idols of Hindu gods of high rank, like Brahma, and images of Buddha have been observed in the shrines of the Guardian Spirits.The new shrine styles and new idols represent new elements in the beliefs related to the Guardian Spirits of the Land. The use of a Buddhist temple and images of Buddha introduce elements concerning Buddhism. The use of a palace and the images of Hindu gods of high rank introduce elements related to Hinduism.Prior to the 1950s, the shrines and idols used to honor and house the Guardian Spirits of the Land showed no influence of Buddhism or Hinduism. However, from about 1960, these new elements began to appear. These changes show that aspects of Buddhism and Hinduism have been incorporated into the belief of the Guardian Spirits of the Land.