Camadevi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Camadevi |
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Camadevi Monument in Lamphun
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| Reign | 662-669 (7 years), 662-679 (17 years), or 659-688 (29 years) |
| Predecessor | Tripop |
| Successor | Mahantayot |
| Born | 623 or 633 |
| Died | 715 or 731 |
| Spouse | Prince Ramrat |
| Issue | Mahantayot Anantayot |
| Dynasty | Chamadevi |
| Father | King Chakkrawat, or Inta |
Camadevi (pronounced Cha-ma-day-wee) was a very important queen from long ago. She was the first ruler of a kingdom called Hariphunchai. This was an ancient kingdom of the Mon people in what is now northern Thailand.
Historians have different ideas about when Camadevi lived. Some records say she ruled for 7 years starting in 662. Others suggest she was born in 623, ruled for 17 years, and passed away in 715. Another story says she was born in 633 and ruled from 659 to 688, dying in 731. No matter the exact dates, she was a powerful leader!
Contents
Camadevi's Early Life
Stories about Camadevi's childhood are quite interesting. One legend says she was born into a royal family in the Lavo Kingdom. But another popular myth tells a different tale.
A Mysterious Beginning
Many people believe Camadevi was the daughter of a rich man named Inta. He lived in a village called Nong Duu, which is now part of Lamphun Province. When she was just three months old, something incredible happened. A giant bird swooped down and carried her away!
The bird flew over a mountain called Doi Suthep. It then gave the baby to a wise old hermit named Suthewa Rusi. The hermit took great care of her and gave her the name Vi.
Growing Up and a Prophecy
Vi grew up with Suthewa Rusi, learning many things. She became very well-educated. When she turned 13, the hermit looked into her future. He saw that she was destined to become the ruler of a great kingdom.
To help her achieve this, he built a raft and sent her to the Lavo Kingdom. Lavo was the most successful kingdom at that time. After many months, the raft finally reached Lavo. Everyone was amazed by her arrival. The King and Queen of Lavo were very happy to welcome her. They kept her and gave her a new, royal name: Camadevi.
Becoming a Princess
Camadevi lived a comfortable life in the royal palace of Lavo. A fortune teller told the King and Queen that she would become a powerful ruler and marry a great man. Because of this prophecy, they made Camadevi a Princess of Lavo. She had her coronation ceremony when she was 14 years old.
Camadevi's Marriage and War
When Camadevi turned 20, a marriage was arranged for her. She was going to marry Prince Ramrat from a nearby kingdom called Ramburi. But Camadevi was also known for her great beauty.
A Prince's Challenge
Another prince from a different Mon kingdom wanted to marry her too. He asked the King of Lavo for permission, but he was turned down. This made him very angry. He decided to start a war with the Lavo Kingdom to try and win Camadevi.
Leading the Army
Camadevi chose to lead the army herself. She gathered allies from neighboring kingdoms. With her leadership, her army won the war. Everyone admired and celebrated her victory.
However, Camadevi felt sad about all the lives lost in the battle. So, she ordered a temple to be built right on the battlefield. This temple was dedicated to those who had died. According to one legend, this war happened in 653. Her marriage was then arranged two years later, after everything was peaceful again.
Ruling Hariphunchai
Around the year 659, Suthewa Rusi, the hermit who raised Camadevi, came to Lavo. He asked her to become the ruler of a new kingdom called Hariphunchai. He and his friend had helped to create this new city.
Answering the Call
Another story says that Prince Ramrat, Camadevi's husband, was away at that time. So, the invitation to rule Hariphunchai was sent directly to her. According to the myths, she accepted the offer. She felt the people of Hariphunchai needed a strong leader. She also wanted to thank Suthewa Rusi for his kindness in raising her.
Journey and Coronation
It took Camadevi seven months to reach Hariphunchai by boat. After she arrived, she was crowned the ruler of Hariphunchai. She was already pregnant when she left Lavo. Just seven days after her coronation, she gave birth to two sons. Her first son was named Mahantayot, and her second son was named Anantayot.
Camadevi's Later Years and Passing
Camadevi ruled Hariphunchai until 688. At that time, her son Mahantayot took over as ruler. When she was about 60 years old, she decided to step down from her role in the government. She chose to focus on preserving Buddhism instead.
She passed away in 731, at the age of 89. After her death, Mahantayot held a funeral for her that lasted seven days. Her bones were collected after the cremation. They were placed in a special monument called the Suwan-Chang-Kot-Chedi at Wat Camadevi in Lamphun.
Camadevi's Monument
Today, you can visit a statue of Camadevi in Lamphun province. It is located in the Naimueang Sub-district, about 1 kilometer from the city hall. It is near the Nongdork public garden. The monument was officially opened on October 2, 1982. It was inaugurated by Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun, who later became King.
