To commerate the year of the snake, I dug into my archive of photos from my travels. I've not been to Bangkok for a while, so in June 2011 after passing through Immigration at Suvarnabhumi Airport, I was pleasantly surprised by a huge colourful scene of 'The Churning of the Ocean of Milk'. This scene has its roots in Hinduism and is found in the ancient Purana scriptures. Due to a curse from an offended sage, the Devas (demi-gods) lost their divine powers and thus sought to regain it by getting hold of amrita, the nectar of immortality. They came up with an elaborate scheme which involved forging an alliance with the Asuras (Demons) to churn up the ocean of milk in order to retrieve it. For this purpose, they used Vasuki, the seven-headed serpent (cobra) as a churning rope by coiling it around Mount Mandara as a pivot and tugged at it from both ends.
The section of the serpent, Vasuki, with the seven heads ...
was held by the Asuras (demons).
The Devas were well-advised by Vishnu not to take this end.
The mid-section of Vasuki was coiled round Mount Mandara which acted as a pivot. The resulting force from the churning was so great that eventually Mt Mondara broke off and sank. Vishnu through his avatar, Kurma the tortoise bore up the mountain.
On the other side, the tail end of Vasuki ...
was held by the Devas which was a smart move as they avoided the poisonous fumes from the seven roaring mouths of Vasuki.
Eventually a total of 14 precious objects and treasures were retrieved. The culmination was the nectar of immortality which was delivered by Dhanvantari, the physician of the Gods. As the nectar was coveted by both parties, a fracas broke out and it ended up in the hands of the Asuras.
Vishnu then saved the situation by turning into Mohini the enchantress. Through her shenanigans she managed to snatch it away from them and fed it to the Devas who then regained their divine powers of immortality.
Besides this huge fabled display, the airport was decorated with beautiful flowers. Orchids were seen all over the airport but the massive display near the entrance was the most impressive.
Purple Phalaepnopsis
Yellow Oncidium and white Phalaepnopsis
Vanda
Yellow Dendrobiums
Orchid varieties
Bromeliads
A variety of ginger plants, Curcuma, at the entrance of the airport.
View of Suvarnabhumi Airport from the runway.
Orchid varieties
A variety of ginger plants, Curcuma, at the entrance of the airport.
A greeting card for 2013.
Were you somewhere on a trip? Great snake decorations and awesome flowers, especially those orchids!
ReplyDeleteI was on a working trip and this display was in Suvarnabhumi airport, Bangkok. It was located after immigration and before departure, where all the shops and restaurants are. Orchids in Thailand seem to thrive almost like weeds!
DeleteBeautiful legend, recognize me flowers growing on discounts, these flowers for me only in florists. beautiful photos
ReplyDeleteIt is an interesting yarn, from one of the world's richest cuture. Orchids are very popular as they are not only gorgeous, but longlasting as well.
DeleteWhat a joyous colourful post - thank you for the legend, it gives a whole new meaning to the year of the snake, which I think commences on 10th February.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that you like the long tales behind the scene and you are spot on about the date of the Chinese Spring Festival. How well informed you are :)
Deleteamazing floral collection!
ReplyDeletexoxo, Juliana | PJ’ Happies :) | PJ’ Ecoproject
The display of orchids and other plants covered a huge area. I'm only showing part of it.
DeleteHi, I've read this new year story with interest, I've never know it. Thank you for telling!
ReplyDeleteNice flowers were in airport. I love white orchids, now I have them at home.
I've to point out that other than the snake, the legend of 'Churning of the ocean' has no relevance to the Chinese Spring Festival. As 2013 is the year of the snake according to Chinese zodiac, I thought it would be nice to touch on snake legends. This episode was based on the episode, Samudra manthan from ancient sanskrit tomes.
DeleteOrchids are always eye-catching. Hope you have a lovely time with your love ones at this coming long holiday.
ReplyDeleteThanks. Chinese New year is a wonderful time to catch up with family members. On the eve is the very important reunion dinner. Best regards to you.
DeleteWonderful story (I knew nothing about it before) and photos. I've only seen orchids photographed one at a time, seeing them in clusters is a real treat.
ReplyDeleteThere's more to the story and there are many sub-plots. I've only narrated the gist of the legend. The display area is thick with these fabulous orchids.
DeleteWspaniałe widowisko było na lotnisku, a storczyki były śliczne. Pozdrawiam.
ReplyDeleteGreat show was at the airport and they were beautiful orchids. Yours.
This episode on 'Churning the Ocean' is displayed in other archaeological sites too, so it seems to have much impact on the followers' imagination.
DeleteThank you for the introduction of this legend. I think I’m familiar with Devas because when Buddhism was imported into Japan, the gods of Hindu were also introduced together and they became guardian gods of Buddhism in Japan. Orchids must have gorgeously decorated the airport: they are always so eye-catching and beautiful. Have happy days ahead.
ReplyDeleteYoko
Buddhism is the main religion in Japan so it's natural that you are exposed to certain aspects since it has its roots in Hinduism. Orchids are not only gorgeous, they are long-lasting as well. Some last as long as six months!
DeleteSuch an interesting legend! The orchids are definitely eye-catching! And the ginger flower is simply gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteWish you and your family Gong Xi Fa Cai!
Not long after the trip, I saw Curcuma being sold at a nursery but I was told that it wasn't easy to get them to bloom, so they've stopped stoking them.
DeleteNice airport and that's a nice card as well. Now I wish to Bangkok again. Love to shop there - from jewelries to snacks.
ReplyDeleteThe airport is huge and bustling with travellers arriving at destination, departing for home or on connecting flights. The vast array of goods sold at modern shopping malls or at weekend markets (Catuchak)is mindboggling. Food and entertainment is great too. Best of all, it is nearby.
DeleteVery beautiful reportage, very colourfull and lively!
ReplyDeleteI appreciate to discover these marvels and beautiful flowers through your eyes especially since I am not travelling for now!
Hi Noushka, I'm glad that you enjoy the post. The orchids,bromeliads and other flowers are indeed lovely. The display drew a lot of interest.
Delete