An Analytical on Jetiya in Thailand

Abstract

The objective of the research is to study the legend of Jetiya
and architecture of Jetiya found in the Jetiya in Thailand according to
ladimirpropp’s structural theory for folktale, and approached on Adrian
Snodgrass’s the symbols of the Stupa. The sample was 8 outstanding pagodas
from 4 regions. This research was in qualitative research methodology with
the descriptive analysis.
The result of the study found that the legend of Jetiya was divided into
2 categories: (1) three mentioned versions of the Buddha’s and (2) five
version of the arrival Buddha’s non-arrival. Here, four versions were related to
Vladimir propp’s structural theory for folktale whereas the other four versions
were not related to this theory.
The study found in respect of that the architecture the bases of pagodas
had 3 models: (1) the round base. (2) The square base. (3) The octagon
base. The bodies of the pagoda had 4 models: (1) the round bell rotated of Sri
Langkan style. (2) The octagon bell. (3) The trick lotus. (4) The castle tetrahedron.
And, the top of the pagodas categorized into 2 groups: (1) the round bell
rotated of Sri Langkan style and the trick lotus. (2) the groups of Lanna style
and Sivichai style.Now, for the symbol of the pagoda, the study found that the round base
were represented the center of the propagation of Buddhism. And, for the
square base represented the principle of the Four Paths of Accomplishment
(Iddhipada); while, the octagon base represented the teaching of the Eight
Noble Paths (Ariyamagga).
The body of the pagoda the round bell rotated of Sri Langkan style
singed the Great Decease of the Buddha and the principle of Tilaksana namely
impermanence (Anicca), suffering (Dukkha), and non-self (Anatta); the
trick lotus represented the teaching the Four Foundations of Mindfulness
(Satipatthana); the octagon bell mean Four Paths (Magga) and Four Fruits
(Phala); and the castle tetrahedron represented the Four Paths of Accomplishment
(Iddhipada), the Four Divine States of mind (Brahmavihara), the Four
Absorption (Jhana) and those who were deliverance of mind (Cetovimutti)
and liberated through wisdom (Paññavimutti).And, the top of the pagodas, the groups of the round bell rotated of Sri
Langkan style and the trick lotus signed the living beyond three realms of the
Buddha and the Arahantas; while, the groups of Lanna style and Sivichai style
represented the living beyond three realms of the Buddha, the 9 qualities of
the Buddha (Buddhaguna) and the Arahantas whose accomplished the Five
kinds of Higher Knowledge and the Eight Meditative Attainments (Samapatti).