Namo Tassa Bhagavato Arahato Samma Sambuddhassa (3x)
Upagutto Ca Mahathero Sambuddhena Viyakato
Maranca Marabalanca So Idani Mahathero
Namassitva Patitthito Ahang Vandami Idaneva Upaguttang Ca Mahatherang
Canonical Pali Root (บาลีมูลฐาน)
Upagutto ca mahāthero sambuddhena viyākato · Mārañca mārabalañca so idāni mahāthero · Ahaṃ vandāmi idāneva upaguttaṃ ca mahātheraṃ.
The Great Elder Upagutta, prophesied by the Fully Awakened Buddha
Maranca Marabalanca
Who tamed Mara and Maras assembly during Emperor Ashokas Dhamma festival
Ahang Vandami Upaguttang Mahatherang
I reverently bow to the Great Elder Upagutta
01Literal Translation (EN)
Canonical homage to Arahant Upagutta(Phra Upakut), who according to the Lokapannatti and अशोकavadana was appointed by Emperor Ashoka to safeguard the Third Buddhist Council against Mara's disruptions.
Explains the distinctive iconography of Phra Bua Khem: the Elder is depicted either reaching into his almsbowl while gazing upward at the midday sun (so he knows the Vinaya meal hour while dwelling in his submarine brass pavilion) or crowned with a lotus leaf surrounded by aquatic creatures (fish, crabs, Nagas) and nine relic pins (Khem).
