Thagyamin (, ; from Sanskrit , ) is the highest-ranking nat (deity) in traditional Burmese Buddhist belief. Considered as the king of Heaven, he is the Burmese adaptation of the Hindu deity Indra.
Thagyamin () is derived from the combination of the Sanskrit word "Shakra" (à ¤¶à ¤Âà ¥Âà ¤°; a synonym of Indra) and the Burmese word "Min" (; a common title meaning Lord/King). He is also known by his nickname <nowiki>U Magha</nowiki> () derived from his preexistential name.
Thagyamin (also known as à Âakra or Indra) is a prominent deity in Burmese Buddhist mythology and folk religion. He is often portrayed holding a conch shell in one hand and a yak-tail fly-whisk in the other, standing or seated atop a three-headed white elephant (Airavata). Thagyamin is regarded as the ruler of the celestial kingdom TrÃÂyastriá¹Âà Âa ().
He was designated as the supreme deity among the official pantheon of 37 ahtet nat (, "upper deities") by King Anawrahta of Pagan in the 11th century. This move was part of Anawrahta's effort to harmonize pre-Buddhist animist and Hindu traditions with emerging TheravÃÂda Buddhism in Burma. Notably, Thagyamin is the only nat in the official pantheon who did not die a "raw death" (), a sudden or violent demise, which is typical of other nats.
According to Burmese Buddhist mythology, when the future Buddha Metteyya was the prince MahÃÂpanÃÂda (), he planted and donated a bodhi tree near the Sudhamma Hall in TÃÂvatiá¹Âsa. He also consecrated a great slab of stone beneath it. As a result of that meritorious deed, the divine Paññá¸Âukambala Rock Throne () later arose in the TrÃÂyastriá¹Âà Âa heaven.
It is located in the great Pundarika Park to the northeast of the capital city of the TrÃÂyastriá¹Âà Âa heaven, called MahÃÂsudassana, near the great Bodhi tree.
The throne is sixty yojanas long, fifty yojanas wide, and fifteen yojanas thick. Its color is described as a deep reddish hue, similar to the blossom of a red lotus ().
Under normal conditions, the rock throne remains cool. However, when extraordinary or morally significant events are imminent, it becomes tense and heats up. Such conditions include:
When such heating occurs, Thagyamin discerns the cause and addresses the situation. It was upon this sacred throne that the Buddha preached the Abhidhamma discourse during his stay in TÃÂvatiá¹Âsa.
According to Burmese folklore, Thagyamin visits the human world each year on the first day of Thingyan, the traditional Burmese New Year. Though invisible, he observes the conduct of mortals: names of virtuous people are recorded in a golden book, while names of wrongdoers are inscribed in a book made from dog-skin leather. On the third day of Thingyan, he returns to the heavenly realm.
When traveling, Thagyamin most frequently rides the VejayantàCelestial Chariot. On special occasions, he rides the elephant AirÃÂvaá¹Âa.
The Vejayantàchariot is driven by the divine charioteer MÃÂtali. The chariot spans a length of 150 yojanas from front to back. At its center lies a grand jeweled platform for Thagyamin to be seated upon. The chariot has only one yoke, which is harnessed with a thousand divine horses known as ÃÂjÃÂnëya. These celestial horses are renowned for their speed and elegance.
The celestial being known as AirÃÂvaá¹Âa (á§áÂÂá‡ÂÂáÂÂáº) assumes the form of an elephant for Thagyamin to ride when visiting his divine garden. AirÃÂvaá¹Âa was originally a deva, who in a previous life had been a great elephant gifted to King MÃÂgha. In the celestial realms, actual animals do not exist, as this is not customary. Upon Thagyamin's return from the garden, the elephant reverts to his original divine form.
The future Deva King (Thagyamin), the MÃÂgha youth, not only performed meritorious deeds such as building resting places and roads for travelers, but also practiced the following seven noble virtues:
1. Honoring and caring for one's parents with utmost respect, valuing them more than oneâÂÂs own life.
2. Respecting elders among one's relatives from both maternal and paternal sides who are older than oneself.
3. Speaking in a sweet and refined manner that reflects deep respect.
4. Avoiding slander or divisive speech that could cause separation between loving individuals.
5. Giving freely and generously without selfishness or hesitation, regardless of time or convenience.
6. Always speaking the truth, with integrity and honesty.
7. Controlling one's anger, never allowing wrath to surface. If anger does arise, quickly letting it go and forgiving.
Because of the wholesome karma of practicing such noble conduct not only for future existences but also for this very life, he became a Deva King in the heavenly realm. His 32 companions were also reborn as guardian devas who serve and protect the Deva King.
Counterparts of Thagyamin in other Asian cultures