Captain Low’s Dissertation on White Elephants. 187 
of that one which was brought from Cambaya, which I circumstantially took 
down from the mouths of well-informed natives of Bangkok. 
This elephant was met on its journey to the capital by a deputation of 
Siamese courtiers, sent by the king to congratulate him on his entry into his 
majesty’s dominions. He was then greeted by a deputation of worthies 
from the town Dan Houlaman. The next stage was Sala K hru ; then P,fi- 
hang Ding, where the governor, or P,hria, of K,hannayok, paid a congratu- 
latory visit; next Dan Moo-ring Thén to Na lung ; thence to Ba pong, 
where the governor of Yuthia paid his humble respects; thereafter to 
Samk lok ; next Mu ring Nou; and then to Wat khang kau, or the 
“ Flying Fox Monastery.’—Here the king of Siam came to meet the sacred 
animal, The expression of the Siamese on this and similar occasions is, 
Phreea cha det cha song Phra tamnoon t,hdidng Phra chonna mak rap P hreea 
Baromma chakt kan. 
From this it is evident that the king deems himself inferior in degree to 
this elephant; and we are further furnished with another reason for the 
existence of this whimsical superstition. Phreea Baromma chakt,han was, 
the Siamese say, a king of Curr UpAn. 
But to proceed, the sacred elephant was taken from Wat khang khau, 
and conducted by the king to his capital of Bangkok ; a splendid festival 
was then proclaimed to be held in the open air near the palace. 
This festival of the white elephant happens only when one is newly 
caught. There is a regular day or period set apart every three months at 
which he receives the attentions of the pious. 
The high priests attend to regulate the ceremonies and recitations from 
the Bali books appropriated and suited to the occasion. Prayers are offered 
up for a long life to this elephant king, the priests all the while sprinkling 
holy water over his body. 
When a newly-caught elephant reaches the capital he is consecrated by 
the priests, and then has a stall prepared for his reception in the Chang 
Rung, or elephant stable; where, except when taken out for exercise, or 
to lead processions, he lives the remainder of his life on the contributions 
levied by the king for his support.* 
* M. De la Loubere has only casually alluded to the white elephant, by observing that the 
king never rides upon it, because its rank is equal to his own. Keempfer makes no mention of 
the white elephant. 
Pusxa Sowar, aking of Ulum pancha, dreamed that a flower of the lotus fell into his hand. 
2 Biz 
