A STUDY OF BELIEFS ABOUT KHAO PHRA SUMERU IN LANNA

Abstract

This research article has 3 objectives: 1. To study the concept of Mount 
Meru in Buddhism. 2. To study the beliefs about Mount Meru in Lanna. 3. To analyze 
the beliefs about Mount Meru in Lanna. This research is a qualitative research mixed 
with documentary research. Interviews with 15 informants/person. Results of the 
study found that The concept of Mount Meru in Buddhism Mount Meru is the center 
of the universe according to Brahmin and Buddhist beliefs, that is, it is the residence 
of the gods. and all the gods. Furthermore, the peak of Mount Meru is the location of 
the Tavatimsa heaven. or the divine world with the divine council whose supreme 
ruler is Indra and related to Shiva or Lord Shiva. The highest god of the Trimurti who 
resides at Mount Kailash and is also related to Lord Vishnu or Lord Narayana. Beliefs 
about Mount Phra Sumeru in Lanna from the past People in Lanna adhere to the 
Tribhumi motto, which is dividing the world into 3 realms and 31 worlds. There is a 
prioritization of cities in the surrounding area according to the importance of religious 
places in that city. Many Lanna arts that conceal the Tribhumi motto such as The 
design of the pagoda, prang, and mandap. The construction of the stupa as the 
center of the temple. Interpreting the temple structure that it is a symbol of the 
universe according to the Tribhumi maxims such as Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, 
Lampang Province, has the characteristics of the city of Phra Indra displayed. The 
construction of the temple according to the principles of the universe is very clear. 
Analyze beliefs about Mount Meru in Lanna, namely: 1. Mount Sumeru is the center 
of the world. 2. Mount Sumeru is the center of the universe. 3. Mount Sumeru is the 
home of spirit beings in the world. 4. Mount Sumeru is the home of spirit beings invarious landscapes and 5. Mount Sumeru is the home of beings in the world. To 
create knowledge about the world or universe It is the residence of spirit beings in 
various worlds and realms of the living world in Buddhism.  
Keywords: beliefs, khao phra sumeru