Nor Buddha Pong and Nor Phra Arahan in Urangkathat Legend

Abstract

This academic article aims to analyze Nor Buddha Pong (The Heir of Buddha) and Nor Phra Arahan (The Heir of Saint) in Urangkathat Legend. It is found out that Nor Buddha Ong is a word used for calling Phra Ya Tikottaboon from Sri Kottabong and Phra Chaiyachettatiraj from Vientien. These two monarchs are two forms of reincarnation of Sri Ariyamettrai, the first Lord Buddha. This name is also used for calling Buri Chan Uayluay from Chantaburi, which is a reincarnation form of Phra Thammaracha Buddha Chao, the third Lord Buddha. The holy deeds of these two monarchs include the establishing, maintaining, and reviving Buddhism in several cities on Mae Khong river plain. The word ìNor Phra Arahanî is used for calling the five kings who were involved in rectifying the holy chest bone pagoda in 1 B.E.: Phraya Suwanna Pingkarn from Nong Han Luang, Phraya Kam Daeng from Nong Han Noi, Phraya Joonnanee Phromtat from Joonnanee Phromtat, Phraya Inthapat Nakorn from Inthapat, and Phraya Nantasen from Sri Kottabong. These five kings are the heirs of five saints involved in erecting the holy chest bone pagoda in 200 B.E.: Phra Maha Rattana Thera, Phra Chula Rattana Thera, Phra Chula Suwan Prasat Thera, Phra Maha Suwanna Prasat Thera, and Phra Sangkawichcha Thera. Nevertheless, Nor Buddha Pong would be born as a king and a hermit only, not Arahan (saint), because the power of nirvana, the asset of Arahan, prevents him from rebirthing in the next life time, which makes it impossible for him to accumulate the prestige or become the Lord Buddha in the future.