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The Giant Swing is an ancient religious structure located in front of Wat Suthat. Known in Thai as Sao Ching Cha, the Giant Swing was built in 1784 by King Rama I. It is located at Bamrung Muang Road. It is made up of two huge 25-meter tall teak pillars, painted maroon, supporting an ornately carved cross-beam.
The existence of the Giant Swing reflects the fusion of Hindu with Buddhist beliefs that is apparent in Thailand, and manifests itself frequently in Bangkok, such as the Erawan, Ganesha and other shrines dedicated to Hindu deities. The swing was used for the Triyampawai Ceremony. This ceremony, which started during the Sukhothai period (1238-1438 AD), took place on the first lunar month of the Brahmin calendar, signifying the new year. By the early Rattanakosin period (1782-1932 AD), the ceremony was moved to the second lunar month.
During the Triyampawai Ceremony, teams of four people would swing from the beam while one of the four would attempt to bite off a sack of gold hanging from the top of the pole. It is a rite to venerate the Hindu deity Shiva, symbolising the rising and setting of the sun. It is said that Shiva and his consort Uma, were forbidden from swinging in heaven, because it causes floods on earth. So Shiva demanded that the practise be continued on earth, to ensure moderate rain and good harvest. However, the rites on the Giant Swing caused so many deaths that it was abolished in 1935.
The Giant Swing as we see today is a replica of the original. It is said to have been paid for by the company founded by the son of Anna Leonowens, the English governess made famous in The King and I. Nonetheless in 2005, the Department of Fine Arts - the department looking after Thailand's antiquities - actually placed a submission to Unesco for the Giant Swing and Wat Suthat to be nominated as a possible World Heritage Site.
Getting there
The Giant Swing is located in Phra Nakhon, between in the road divider of Bamrung Muang Road, between Wat Suthat and the City Hall. At the moment, there are no Skytrains or MRT to this area, so the best way to reach the Giant Swing is by taking the taxi. You should also use your trip to visit other nearby sights.Location: Bamrung Muang Road:
Opening hours: free access
Giant Swing (29 August 2006)
© Timothy Tye using this photo
Location Map of Giant Swing in Bangkok
Giant Swing (29 August 2006)
© Timothy Tye using this photo
Giant Swing (29 August 2006)
© Timothy Tye using this photo
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