Princess performs rites for the late Somdej Kiew
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Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, representing His Majesty the King, presided over a bathing ceremony for Somdej Phra Buddhacharn, who chaired a committee on behalf of the Supreme Patriarch, at the Temple of the Golden Mount yesterday ev
The revered monk, widely known as Somdej Kiew, died at the age of 85 on Saturday.
His body was transferred from Samitivej Hospital to the temple in the morning, with many senior monks, Deputy Prime Minister Phongthep Thepkanjana and other devotees joining the ritual for the move.
Somdej Phra Buddhacharn was chief of the Eastern Region, a member of the Supreme Sangha Council and the abbot of Saket Temple, better known as the Temple of the Golden Mount.
His body lay in state at the temple from 1pm-4pm, prior to the bathing rite at 5pm.
After the seven-day royally sponsored Abhidhamma ritual, his body will lie in state for 100 days so his followers can pay their last respects to him. They will receive a locket with his picture.
Merit-making ceremonies dedicated to him will be held throughout the 100 days.
Nopparat Benjawatananun, head of the National Buddhism Office, said the Supreme Sangha Council would be asked to decide on how to appoint the new chair of the committee working on behalf of the Supreme Patriarch at its meeting on August 20.
“The seven remaining members may choose the new chair right away or wait for the appointment of the new top monastic chief of the Eastern Region (by the Supreme Sangha Council),” he said.
The next abbot of the Temple of the Golden Mount would likely be the most senior deputy abbot at the temple, he said.
