Page 173 - The Royal Coronation Ceremony

The Dusit Maha Prasad Throne Hall

The Dusit Maha Prasad Throne Hall is located in the western side of the central royal court compound in
the Grand Palace. King Rama I had this hall built for administrative functions. However, at some period, there was
a death in the high-ranking royal family, His Majesty permitted the deceased to be placed there for the religious
ceremony. Later, when His Majesty passed away, his body was lying in state in the Dusit Maha Prasad Throne Hall.
Thus, it became the tradition to place the body of deceased Kings, and in later periods, deceased Queens and
some royal family of highest rank, in this hall.

The hall structure made of brick is paved over with cement mortar. The roof finial is in the shape of the prasat
or tiered spire. There are 4 layers of redented porticos on the four sides. At the front portico, another covered portico
projects into the open space. The Busabok Mala Throne is placed in the middle of this portico, to be used for the

occasion of granting audiences to the general public for paying homage.

At the south portico, there is a connecting terrace to the Biman Rataya Pavilion, while in the east, there is
a connecting pathway to the Abhorn Bimok Prasad Pavilion. A pathway connects the western portico to the Sala
Plueang Khrueang or the dismantling pavilion. Two staircases are flanking the lower front portico, and also, one
staircase is on each of the east and west porticos, which were added in the reign of King Rama V.

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The Royal Coronation Ceremony