BANGKOK, 17 October 2014 His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn yesterday afternoon deputized for His Majesty the King at the ceremony of presenting Kathin robes to Buddhist monks at Borvoranives Monastery in Phra Nakhon District, Bangkok.
Accompanied by Her Royal Highness Princess Srirasm, the royal consort, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince arrived at the royal temple at 5.18 p.m., after which he lighted candles and incense sticks to pay respect to the principal Buddha image –Phra Buddha Chinnasi. He then paid homage to the royal ashes of King Rama VI.
Borvoranives Monastery has been classified as first-class royal temple. In the past, several kings were ordained as monks at the monastery and spent their time in priesthood here. The Kathin ceremony has been observed for more than 2,600 years since the days of the Lord Buddha. At present, Kathin robe presentation in Thailand is observed at two levels – by the Royal Family and by ordinary people. The period for the Kathin presentation usually lasts one month following the Buddhist Lent, or from the first waning moon of the 11th lunar month to the full moon of the 12th lunar month, or around October to November each year.
The same evening, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince officiated on behalf of His Majesty the King at the ceremony of presenting royal Kathin robes to monks at Phra Chetuphon Monastery, another first-class royal temple in the same district. Their Royal Highnesses the Crown Prince and the Royal Consort also paid homage to King Rama I’s ashes contained in the monastery, which was built as the temple of his reign.
The presentation of royal Kathin robes by His Majesty the King is considered an important royal function to be carried out every year at royal temples. The King usually leads the ritual by himself, or designates a royal representative to officiate at the function. At present there are 16 first-class royal temples, 12 in Bangkok, two in Ayutthaya and the rest in Nakhon Pathom and Phitsanulok.
