Author: Ramesh Ramachandran
Publication: The Tribune
Date: November 11, 2002
URL: http://www.tribuneindia.com/2002/20020311/ncr1.htm
He's a man in search of his Indian
roots. After his ancestors left Indian shores for Thailand centuries ago,
he is back 'home' on a mission. To find a suitable place where children
of Thai Brahmins ("Brahmanas," he corrects) can learn ancient Vedic texts
and scriptures.
Attired in white with his lock of
hair tied neatly behind in a bun, Var Rajaguru Vamadeva Muni is a picture
of serenity seated amidst his aides and well-wishers. "I am here to scout
for a suitable place to send Brahmana children for pursuing Vedic studies.
I want to send Brahmana boys from Thailand so that they would learn more
about priest craft, philosophy, etc," he says while sharing the overriding
purpose of his visit. "The root of Thai Brahmanas," he says, "is in south
India, our ancestors come from that place, and having their children study
Vedic scriptures here would enable the younger generation to go deep into
their roots."
The Rajaguru (Royal Court Chief
Brahmin) to King Bhumibal Atulyatej of Thailand, Vamadeva Muni is the purveyor
of all things religious, as it were, for the Royal Family. The Rajaguru
coronates the King in a strictly Brahminical ceremony. Also, presides over
the ploughing ceremony when the land is tilled in the presence of the King.
In ancient days, says Var Rajaguru Vamadeva Muni, the plougher was supposed
to be King and tradition has it that the King chooses the person who tills
the land for the ceremony.
In India on a personal visit, the
Rajaguru on Sunday met with Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. On his
itinerary are meetings with Union Minister of Home Affairs LK Advani and
Union Human Resource Development Minister Murli Manohar Joshi. During his
stay in India, the Rajaguru would also call on Shankaracharya of Kanchi
Kamakoti Peetham Jayendra Saraswati. His aides say visits to Tirupati,
Mahabalipuram, Trichy, Chidambaram, Rameshwaram and Thanjavur are also
planned.
Thais, says the Muni, practise Buddhism
but it was not so in ancient times when Hinduism flourished. Today the
Hinduism "indigenised" by the Thais has a Buddhist influence and that he
attributes to the "confluence of cultures." That Hinduism still holds a
special place in the religious and cultural history of that country, he
says, can be appreciated by the fact that ceremonies like the Tiru Vempavai
and Sankranti have survived centuries and are observed to this day. While
Tiru Vempavai, or the Mundan ceremony, is observed for a fortnight every
January, Sankranti is celebrated nationwide on April 13 not only by the
Brahmanas but by other sections of society.
Recalling his prior visits to India,
the Rajaguru says the last time he was here was at the invitation of Swami
Lokeshananda Giriji Maharaj, the Peethadheesh of Juna Akhara. "That was
for the Kumbh Mela thirteen years ago," he remembers fondly. Reminiscing
about his "umbilical cord" with mainland India, he says there is a lot
to be learnt from ancient Hindu traditions and beliefs. Prodded into sharing
his lineage, he says : "It is difficult to trace my ancestry because there
are few records," he says. "They came from south India and settled in southern
Thailand. I come from the province of Pattalung and am the fourth generation
of Rajagurus serving the King.
He has a word of advice though for
all. "Using religion for selfish gains creates problems," says the Rajaguru,
"On the contrary, if one thinks religion is for the well- being of all
then problems will be solved."
