Interpretation of the stellar arts of King Rama IV in the Couple Temples: Boromniwas-Ratchanaddaram

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore and interpret the stellar arts of King Rama IV in the couple temples: Boromniwas-Ratchanaddaram. Wat Ratchanaddaram has been identified as a learning resource for astrology, both computational and prophetic. The computational part consists in counting the astrological calendar that requires both the calculation and observation of the orbit of the moon and the sun in relation to the fixed stars of the zodiac, this part is represented by the murals in the Phra Ubosot. Regarding prophetic astrological, the paintings of the auspicious deity are displayed in the window and the couple power divinity is displayed on the boundary marker stone. Furthermore, the murals of the Phra Ubosot also show the practice of the Buddha during Buddhist Lent according to the calendar. While the paintings in the Phra Ubosot of Wat Boromniwas demonstrate the universal astronomical knowledge about the planets in the solar system. Regarding the Full Moon and New Moon murals in the Phra Ubosot refers to the Pakakanana count or the Dhammyuttika calendar, this specifies the date that the Buddha required the monks to perform their duties as prescribed.