Golden manuscript discovered in Phayao captivates historians

A remarkable discovery in Phayao has captivated locals and historians alike. An ancient manuscript, over 500 years old, written entirely in Lanna script with pure gold leaf, has been unearthed. This manuscript, known as a pabsa, is preserved at the Wiang Phayao Museum within Wat Li.

Today, reporters revealed the discovery of this golden manuscript, which shines with a radiant yellow hue. Its preservation is overseen by Vimolyanamuni, an advisor to the Phayao province clergy and the abbot of Wat Li. The Wiang Phayao Museum houses this invaluable document along with over 2,000 other ancient manuscripts, some dating back several centuries.

In addition to the golden pabsa, the museum holds other significant texts. One notable manuscript, the Thamma Mahaphon, is 262 years old and written in Pali. This text describes the Himavanta forest in the Mahachat Jataka.

Another, the Thamma Dighanikaya, is 252 years old and consists of three volumes. In total, the museum’s collection includes more than 1,600 documented texts, with an estimated 200 to 300 more awaiting documentation, reported KhaoSod.

The discovery of the golden pabsa is particularly remarkable. Vimolyanamuni ensured its careful preservation within the museum, where it serves as a cultural and educational resource. The manuscript is part of the temple’s annual traditions, such as the Taktam, Haetam, and Tantam ceremonies, which celebrate and honour these ancient texts.

In related news, villagers foraging for mushrooms in the Buriram forest stumbled upon ancient carvings believed to depict the mythological figure Sirimahamaya. The discovery sparked widespread interest and calls for an urgent investigation by the Fine Arts Department.

In the dense forests of Buriram, a group of mushroom foragers made an unexpected and potentially historic discovery. Amidst the lush greenery, they found an intricately carved ancient stone, igniting both excitement and speculation among locals and online communities.

The remarkable relic, believed to be an artistic representation of the legendary Sirimahamaya, mother of the Buddha, has become the centrepiece of a story that has captured the imagination of the public.