Page 64 - The Royal Coronation Ceremony

The Royal Anointment Ceremony or “Abhisek”

After His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej Borommanathbobitra (Rama IX) performed the Purification
ceremony, he changed into the Regal Vestments. He left the Ablution ceremonial pavilion to go to the Baisal Daksin
Throne Hall. There, he sat on the Atha Disa Throne, with the seven-tiered umbrella or Saweta Chatra placed above
it. A representative of the Parliament presented His Majesty with the Anointment Water. The chief Brahmin presented
him with eight vessels of the Brahmin holy water from each of the eight cardinal directions of the compass. As he was
presented with each vessel, the King turned to its corresponding direction, and ended sitting in the direction facing

east once again. The ceremony proceeded with Chao Phraya Si Dhamadhibes (Chit Na Songkhla), the Chairman of
the Senate, presenting the honorarium address to His Majesty in the Bihari language, and then, he also presented
the Water of Anointment to him.
Formerly, the King was presented with the Water for Anointment from the Royal Pandit and the Chief Brahmin.

However, for the Anointment Ceremony of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej Borommanathbobitra (Rama IX),
His Majesty was the first King to receive the Anointment Water from members of Congress who were representing
the eight cardinal directions of the compass. This was to signify that he was the first King in the democratic system.

After that, the Chief Brahmin, Phra Ratcha Khru Vamadeb Muni, gave his address of benediction to His
Majesty in the Bihari and Thai languages. Then he presented His Majesty with the Royal Nine-tiered Umbrella of
State, “Nophapadon Maha Saweta Chatra.” During this procedure, Brahmins were blowing conch shells, officials
shook small drums used in Brahmin rites, gongs were struck, bugles blown, and Thai musical ensembles were
playing throughout the ceremonial area.

After His Majesty the King received the Royal Nine-tiered Umbrella of State from the Chief Brahmin and
gave officials, he left the Atha Disa Throne for the Bhadrapitha Throne in a royal procession, led ceremonially by
the Buddha image, Phra Chai Nava Loha, and the Lord Ganesh Image, followed by the officials bringing the
“Nophapadol Maha Saweta Chatra” (Royal Nine-tiered Umbrella of State.)

His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej Borommanathbobitra (Rama IX) donned the official Regal Costume
for the Royal Coronation Ceremony and left the Sulalai Biman Chapel to go to the Baisal Daksin Throne Hall.
This ceremony took place on May 5, 1950.

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The Royal Coronation Ceremony