Guardian Giants of Thailand Part 12: Suriyaphob

Description on Suriyaphob: His face is similar to Indrajit’s face (grounded mouth, downward pointed fangs, bulging eyes) and wears a same headdress. But the only difference is that his face is vermilion, he also spouts both Human and Giant sideburns.

He is the oldest son of the Great Giant named Thao Cakravarti and Nang Watchaneesoon. He had 2 younger brothers Banlaijak and Nonyupak. As crown prince of Maliwan City, Suriyaphob held a powerful staff known as Mekphat, which had the power to cause great injury or death to anyone who stood in his way. After many incantations, not even the angels could withstand its power. Suriyaphob holds a noticeable role in the Ramakien. When Bhrot moved his troops to fight in Maliwan City, Suriyaphob fought back and defeated the majority of Satrud 's army with his staff. On the next day Suriyaphob is pierced by Bhrot’s arrows and died in the battlefield.

Guardian Giants of Thailand Part 11: Indrajit

Indrajit is a light green skinned alien with grounded mouth and bulging eyes. A noticeable trait is that his fangs sprout down, rathar than upwards like most demons.

Indrajit, original name Ronapak, is the oldest son of Tosakanth and Crown Prince of Longka. He was renamed Indrajit after having defeated the god Indra in a difficult battle. He was married to Suwanakanyuma and they had 2 sons named Yamalivan and Kanyuvik. Intharachit uses his bow more than any other weapon. He once fired arrows (Nagabat Arrows) which turned into Nagas (or snakes) in mid-air and rained down on Rama's army. He had a blessing from Shiva that he shall not die on land but in the air, and if his decapitated head were to touch the ground, it will conjure a huge fire which will bring great destruction on the Earth.

Indrajit holds a noticeable role in Ramayana, having defeated Lakshmana twice and even Rama on one occasion. After 3 days and 3 nights of endless battle, Lakshmana finally defeated Indrajit by shooting him in the air, and Ongkot caught the head in a golden bowl retrieved from Saha Bodhi Brahma, which Rama later destroyed. Indrajit's death further fuelled Tosakanth's anger and hatred, making him more determined to destroy Rama for what he and his army had done. The citizens of Longka City mourned the mighty warrior's death.

Guardian Giants of Thailand Part 10: Virulhok

Desccription on Virulhok: he is a giant with dark blue skin, crocodile eyes, an unfriendly smile, with a headdress Yod Naga and other adornment associated with dangerous Naga.

Virulhok is the ruler of Maha Anthakarn City (a subterranean province of Badan) located at the underground beneath Khao Trikude. He went to Khao Krailat for seven times a year continually to pledge allegiance to Shiva. One day Virulhok was greatly offended by a gecko on the mountain, who mocked him everytime he bowed down after each step, since Shiva was in a deep sleep during that time. Meaning also that with Shiva asleep, Virulhok pledged allegiance to nobody.

Virulhok was so furious and irritated, he took his breast chain off and thrw it at the gecko (shredding it to bits), also causing Khao Krailat to subside. Virulhok then severed his appointment with Shiva, foreswore future co-operation with any deity, and angrily returned to Maha Anthakarn. Shiva was rudely awakened by the tremor and upon finding out what had happened, he asked Ravana to use his immense strength to restore the mountain to its original place. Shiva then rewarded Tosakanth with the beautiful maiden Montho.

Guardian Giants of Thailand Part 9: Cakravarti

Description on Cakravarti: he is a chief giant with a white body, 4 white faces, and 8 arms His face is divided into 2 ranks; first contains only one white face and the next rank is 2 small faces, broadly smile, bulging eyes, sharp fangs and wears Cocktail Crown.

The king of Maliwan City, he is a close friend of Tosakanth. He was badly affected by the death of Tosakanth, that led his army to retake Longka from the new monarch Thao Tosagiriwong (formerly Phipek, younger brother of Tosakanth), and to return it to Phaina Suriyawong, son of Tosakanth and Nang Montho who was born after the Demon King's death. Cakravarti changed Phaina Suriyawong's name to Thao Tosaphin who then ruled Lanka city. This plan soon backfired when Phaina and his cousin Voraneesun (youngest son of Samanakha) were captured and executed for inciting rebellion against Pipek. Later, Bhrot moved the troop and took a long distance to Maliwan City.

Cakravarti has 3 sons named Suriyaphob, Banlaijak and Nonyupak, who fought on their father's behalf, but all 3 were killed by Bhrot and Satrud. Continuous fighting between Bhrot and Cakravarti took place, but neither could be defeated. Only after Bhrot shot arrows to the chest, arms and legs of Cakravarti, then did the giant confess to helping Phaina and Voraneesun plot treason against Phiphek, and repenting to his crimes. Bhrot and Satrud then assured to the dying Cakravarti that he would return to heaven and be reincarnated into a good person.

Guardian Giants of Thailand Part 8: Maiyarab

Description on Maiyarab: He is a demon with a pale purple body, grounded mouth, and crocodile eyes. His crown is divided into two types as Kranok Crown and Cocktail Crown. His right hand holds medicines or herbs as his weapon.

Maiyarab was ruler of the Underworld City of Badan after his father Sakayawong died. Maiyarab learnt dark magic from a hermit from Himapan forest named Sumet, and used his talents to change his form, render himself invisibale, and put anyone to sleep by means of a flute. His soul lived independently within a green bee on Mount Treekoot, granting him near immortality similar to Tosakanth. In spite of his iron fist rule, he displayed a rare moment of compassion by looking after Hanuman's sea-monkey offspirng Matchanu, allowing him to swim in a lotus pond at the front gate of his kingdom, on the condition that he guard Maiyarab against any intruder.
 
One day, Ravana asked Maiyarab to assist him in eliminating Rama. That same night he had various nightmares, which the astrologers predicted that in the near future, one of his cloe relatives would rule Badan in his stead. Maiyarab thought that his nephew Waiyawik (son of his older sister Piraguan) harbored sinisted ambitions to overthrow him, and so ordered him to be thrown into prison. Maiyarab used his witchery to hypnotize Rama's army to sleep and then kidnapped Rama, bringing him into Underworld City. Maiyarab put Rama and Waiyawik in a cage to be scheduled for boiling. Fortunately, Hanuman came to save both Waiyawik and Rama, and reuniting with his own son Matchanu. Hanuman managed to find the green bee containing Maiyarab's soul with help from Piraguan, and crushed it in front of a terrified Maiyarab, before decapitating him. Hanuman then appointed Waiyawik the new ruler of Badan (hence fulfulling the prophecy of the dream that Maiyarab had) and made his son Matchanu the viceroy of Badan. He flew back to Laskhman's fortress at Morakot Hill with the still sleeping Rama and Maiyarab's head. On learning of the details behind his kidnapping and Maiyarab's death, Rama appreciated that he owed Hanuman a great deal.

Guardian Giants of Thailand Part 7: Mangkornkarn

Description on Mangkornkarn: he is a green skinned giant with a grounded mouth with crocodile eyes, wearing a headdress known as Yod Naga. On his left hand bears a club. Mankornkarn reflects reciprocal deeds because his last life was as Thoraphee, an ungrateful buffalo who, after killing his father Torapa (a golden buffalo), boasted that he does not need any gods to protect him (when in actual fact there were 6 angels watching over him), leading to his death in the hands of Palee (Monkey King of Kinkhet City and older brother of Sukreep). Thoraphee's death and Sukreep's temporary banishment for attempting to covet Palee's throne indirectly led to the allegiance of Sukreep's and Hanuman's monkey troops to Rama and Laskman, after the 2 princes helped to retake Kinkhet City from the dishnoest and corrupt Palee.

His past life being a parricide, Thoraphee was reborn as the older son of Phraya Khorn and Nang Ratchadasoon. After Phraya Khorn died in the hands of Rama prior to the abduction of Sita, Mankornkarn succeeded his late father as ruler of Romakan City. While Indrajit spent seven days to render his Nagabat serpent arrow invincible, Ravana asked his nephew Mankornkarn to continue the war during Indrajit's absence. But in a short time at a battlefield, Mankornkarn’s fortress and soldiers were destroyed by Rama's army, but Mankornkarn managed to escape. He used dark magic to divide his body into many copies while airborne. He was soon killed by Rama after an arrow was shot through his head, causing all his clones to dissolve.

Guardian Giants of Thailand Part 6: Tosakanth (Ravana)

Description on Tosakanth (known as Ravana in the original Ramayana): He is the Demon King of Longka, green skinned with 10 faces, 20 arms, 3 face rows and more 3 faces at an occiput. There are 4 small faces at the 2nd rank, in front of the 3rd rank is Brahma face and giant face is at the behind, every face composed of a broad smile, wide eyes and wears Yod Chai Crown.

Tosakanth was once a demon named Nontuk who used to wash the feet of angels before they met Lord Shiva on Mount Krailas, but was slain by Vishnu for abusing his duties by killing angels with his diamond finger weapon (only because they treated him roughly and even plucked out hair from his head til he became bald). Nontuk was then reborn as the oldest son of Thao Lasatien and Nang Ratchada, later becoming the 3rd King of Longka City, with his wife as Montho, Kala-Akkee and several concubines. Ravana has 1,015 sons and 2 daughters. This Great Giant caused trouble everywhere he went, and he doesn’t abide by the virtues of a king; he is stubborn, lustful, aggressive, despicable, and extremely hard to reason with. Tosakanth was practically invincible; although he was on the losing end of some battles, he survived grievous injuries and kept coming back stronger than ever. His near-immortality was due to his heart being stored in a mussel shell, which his mentor Narod stored on the top of Khao Tri Kude.

The significant situation is an abduction of Sita (Rama’s wife) which instigated a huge war in Longka City.  He formed alliances with many demon rulers, only to have them slain in battle. He even banished his own brother Pipek when the latter tried to persuade him to prevent further chaos by releasing Sita. The war reached its boiling point after his oldest son Prince Indrajit was slain by Hanuman, Laskhman and Rama. After more than 10 years of war, Tosakanth died by Rama’s arrows after Hanuman tricked Ravana's mentor into lending him the mussel containing his heart, and then destroying it in the final battle. Before dying, Tosakanth proclaimed Pipek as his successor and asked him to rule over Longka with righteousness and justice, as well as look after his wives and children. Even in death, he never knew that Sita was actually his daughter borne by Montho, who was adopted by King Chanok. 

Guardian Giants of Thailand Part 5: Virucamban

Description on Viruncamban: He is a demon commander with a dark blue colored face, grounded mouth, crocodile eyes, and wears a cocktail shaped crown. He can transform his cape into his own image and become invisible. The prominence is when he concealed himself beneath the ocean bed to hide from Hanuman.

He along with his close friend Satasoon elected to fight on Tosakanth's behalf, after the Demon King's meditation was ruined. After witnessing Satasoon's death in the hands of Hanuman, Viruncamban rendered himself and his army invisible and then darkened the sky to facilitate his furtive escape, while his false image (formed by his cape) tirelessly fought. Under the suggestion of a celestial maiden named Wanarin, Viruncamban concealed himself beneath the ocean bed near Mount Akatkiree. 

 

Meanwhile, Pipek saw through Viruncamban's trickery and told Rama to ignore the false image. Rama then dispatched Hanuman to track down the real Viruncamban. When Hanuman freed Wanarin from a curse and asked her about the whereabouts of Viruncamban, she replied that he was hiding somewheree in the ocean. He noticed one particular bubble in the ocean foam was conspicuously larger than the otehr bubbles, and did not move with the waves. Hanuman extended his tail to seek out the demon from under the sea, coiling itself around Viruncamban's body and brought his to the surface. After a violent fight, Hanuman held the demon by his feet, spun him around and threw him into a mountain, killing him.  Viruncambang's false image collapsed and reverted back into a cape with his death. Hanuman then celebrated his triumph with his new wife Wanarin, and returned to Rama's camp with the head of Viruncamban.

Guardian Giants of Thailand Part 4: Aska-Marasoon

Description on Askan-Marasoon: he is a bright green skinned demon with 7 purple faces, 2 hands. His faces divided into two ranks as a general face and 3 small faces at the occiput. The second rank is 3 small faces with grounded mouth and eyes are wide open, wears Chai Crown.
 

As ruler of Duram City, he entreated Tosakirivan and Tosakirithorn to be his adopted children. Later, when Askan-Marasoon heard that his sons died during Longka war, he gathered the army to attack rama's army to avenge his sons. Arrows passed through his body easily, and he can multiply his body many times. Pipek told Rama  that the only way to defeat him to shoot arrows into Askan-Marasoon’s head to prevent him from reforming. The great giant was then killed along the Ganges River.

Guardian Giants of Thailand Part 3: Sahassadeja

Description on Sahassadeja. This pale-skinned giant with broadly smile and bulging eyes, wears Yod Chai Crown and his face rowed in 4-5 ranks. The first rank is a real face and three small faces at the occiput, the next 2-3-4 is many tier small faces. The last rank features two types. If it is not a giant face, most likely a Brahma face.

Sahassadeja is a close ally with Ravana, and ruler of Penglan City. He can conjure up to 1,000 heads and 2,000 hands, and he has a magical club which can kill his opponents and bring his allies back to life. He got the blessing from Brahma such that he will be able to win every battle.

Sahassadeja got involved in the Great War in Longka after his younger brother, Mulapalam was killed by Lakshmana. Sahassadeja wanted to avenge his brother, but he was fooled by Hanuman who took the form of a common monkey, made up a story on being mistreated by his owner, pledging allegiance to the demon, and requested to borrow his magic club so he may fight by Sahassadeja's side.  Upon receiving the club, Hanuman immediately converted to his original form and grew into a giant, causing Sahassadeja's chariot to collapse and crushing the demon commander's sodliers. Hanuman then destroyed the club and threw the remains at Sahassadeja, before stabbing the demon with his trident, and coiling him up with his tail. Hanuman then decapitated the demon in front of his monkey allies.

Guardian Giants of Thailand Part 2: Tosagirithorn

Description on Tosagirithorn: he is a scarlet skinned demon with a grounded mouth with crocodile eyes. The nose tip is shaped like an elephant's trunk, and he wears a bamboo spathe as same as Tosakirivan.

The offspring of Ravana and an elephant, he is a younger brother of Tosakirivan. Afterwards he became foster son of Askan-Marasoon, ruler of Duram City. When he grows up, he found out about his real father. So he travelled to Longka City to look for him.

But when Tosakirithorn heard about a big war with Rama from Ravana, he volunteered to take part in this war. Tosakirithorn will stand with Tosakirivan together to go against Lakshmana troops. But they were both slain by Lakshmana.

Guardian Giants of Thailand Part 1: Tosagirivan

Description on Tosakirivan: he is a green skinned demon with the nose tip of an elephant trunk. He has a grounded mouth with crocodile eyes, and wears a bamboo spathe, holds a weapon as a club.

Tosakirivan is the older brother of Tosakirithorn. They were born when Ravana took the form of an elephant and had sexual relations with a elephant female. Later on Askan-Marasoon took in both brothers as his adopted children. One day Tosakirivan goes to meet Ravana, who informed them about a big war against Rama and Lakshmana. Tosakirivan and Tosagirithorn volunteered to serve as generals, they had the specilty to duplicate their weapons into 9 or 10 copies. Later both of them were killed by Lakshamana after a fierce struggle.

Guardian Giants in Thailand introduction

The first mention of “Giant” for Thai people is in the literature textbook “Ramakien”. The Demon King Ravana performs in an unjust side, and fights with a fair side of Rama and Lakshmanan. Until people know the word “Giant” is a bad guy.
For deeply research in more detail, Giant is divided into White & Black side. Therefore the image of Giant features the fearfulness and bravery but it cannot decide to the real mind of each giant and considers at their role and performance.
Besides the giant in the textbook, Thai people also believed in giant being a guardian for goodness and getting rid of evil spirits since Ayutthaya period, which led to the establishment of the Guardian Giant at the entrance of the temple.

There are six pairs of demon guardian statutes at the entrance gates to the Wat Phra Sri Ratana Sasadaram (Temple of the Emerald Buddha). These are the main Giants of the Ramakien. They stand facing the ordination hall (Phra Ubosoth) meaning that they are guarding the Emerald Buddha inside from all evil spirits.
These demon guardians were built in the reign of king Rama III, each one describing an important character in the Ramakiean story. The green one describes Tosakanth, the demon King and red one represents Sahassadeja, one of Tosakanth's warriors.