Thao Hiran Phanasura

The Guardian Demon of King Rama VI, Queen Suvadhana, and Princess Bejaratana

At the heart of Thai royal spiritual traditions lies the figure of Thao Hiran Phanasura, also known as Thao Hiran Hu, a demon guardian worshipped by King Rama VI, Queen Suvadhana, and Her Royal Highness Princess Bejaratana Rajasuda Siri Sobhaphanwadi. This protective deity, imbued with supernatural powers, held a special place in their hearts, watching over them throughout their lives.

The Origin of Thao Hiran Hu

Before King Rama VI ascended to the throne, while he was still Crown Prince, he embarked on a visit to Lopburi. During this trip, a strange dream visited one of his attendants. In the dream, a large, powerful man appeared, identifying himself as Hiran, a forest demon. The demon declared that from that moment onward, he would follow and protect the Prince from harm.

Upon learning of the dream, the Crown Prince ordered incense and candles to be lit and food offerings to be prepared for Thao Hiran Hu in the Lopburi forest. From that time, whenever the Prince traveled, food offerings were made to honor Thao Hu every evening.

When King Rama VI ascended to the throne, he never forgot Thao Hiran Hu. As a mark of deep respect and gratitude, he commissioned royal craftsmen to cast a bronze statue of the demon guardian. After the statue was completed, the King invited Thao Hiran Hu to reside in the statue, which was named Thao Hiran Phanasura. He was adorned with an ancient-style crown and carried a staff as a symbol of his elevated status.

The Power of Thao Hiran Phanasura

The legend of Thao Hiran Phanasura was deeply ingrained in the royal palace, and those close to the King were well aware of his supernatural powers. One of the King’s close royal pages, Chamuen Thepdrunthon, recounted that King Rama VI affectionately referred to the guardian as “Ta Hiran Hu,” and the demon’s protective reputation spread among palace courtiers.

One famous story took place during the creation of Thao Hiran Phanasura’s statue. The King entrusted Phraya Athon Durasin (ML. Chuang Kunchorn) and Mario Galetti, an Italian craftsman from the Fine Arts Department, with casting the bronze image. After the statue was completed and placed on a pedestal in Phya Thai Palace, Galetti tied a rope around its neck to lift it onto the platform. However, soon after, he inexplicably developed a severe neck sprain, rendering him unable to continue his work.

Phraya Athon, aware of the spiritual significance of the statue, believed that Galetti had unknowingly offended Thao Hiran Hu by tying the rope around its neck. He advised the Italian craftsman to make offerings of flowers, incense, and candles to seek the demon’s forgiveness. Remarkably, after the offerings were made, Galetti’s neck returned to normal, and the incident was seen as further proof of the guardian’s power.

Thao Hiran Phanasura’s Influence in Later Reigns

The influence of Thao Hiran Phanasura extended beyond the reign of King Rama VI. During the reign of King Prajadhipok (Rama VII), an intriguing event unfolded involving His Royal Highness Prince Anuwat Chaturon. The Prince received a royal car with an image of Thao Hiran Hu attached to it, which had been a gift from King Rama VI.

After bringing the car back to the palace at Si Yaek Lan Luang, the Prince encountered strange occurrences. That night, he heard continuous rattling noises coming from the garage, but upon investigation, found nothing out of the ordinary. Despite thinking it was just the sound of mice, the situation took a mysterious turn when the garage lights suddenly switched on, despite being turned off.

Calling the driver and royal pages for help, they were startled to find the car parked in a different position from how it had been left. Shocked and unnerved, Prince Anuwat decided to prepare offerings to Thao Hiran Hu to ask for forgiveness. The Prince, deeply affected by the incident, never used that particular car again.

Continuing the Legacy of Thao Hiran Phanasura

To this day, Thao Hiran Phanasura remains a powerful and revered figure, with his bronze statues standing in key locations such as Phramongkutklao Hospital. His protective presence continues to be honored by many, with offerings made at his shrines for protection, health, and good fortune.

As Ticy City invites visitors to explore the spiritual history of Thao Hiran Phanasura, it is clear that this ancient demon guardian holds a special place in both the royal legacy and the broader cultural heritage of Thailand. His miracles and supernatural powers have left an indelible mark, one that continues to inspire reverence to this day.

PR