22 October 1956

King enters monkhood

His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej became a Buddhist monk, taking the religious name ‘Bhumibalo Bhikkhu’ during a ceremony conducted with solemn and traditional splendour.

The King went to the Grand Palace’s Royal Chapel of the Emerald Buddha to enter the monkhood. There, his head and eyebrows were shaved in keeping with Thai Buddhist tradition. More than 100,000 people waited patiently outside the palace to catch a glimpse of their monarch, while small altars were set up to pay homage to the King. Several times, despite a running commentary on the rites still being conducted inside the Royal Chapel, there were false alarms announcing the King’s arrival.

The King entered the monastery to pray, meditate, study The Buddha’s teaching and listen to religious sermons. He visited several Buddhist temples in Bangkok and also met Chinese and Vietnamese monks. During his 15 days in the monkhood, Queen Sirikit acted as regent. The King’s devotion to Buddhism enhanced his reputation among many Thais who yearned for a monarch who was conservative and sincere. Prior to entering the monkhood, the King had pardoned some 3,000 prisoners.

22 October 1956

King enters monkhood

His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej became a Buddhist monk, taking the religious name ‘Bhumibalo Bhikkhu’ during a ceremony conducted with solemn and traditional splendour.

The King went to the Grand Palace’s Royal Chapel of the Emerald Buddha to enter the monkhood. There, his head and eyebrows were shaved in keeping with Thai Buddhist tradition. More than 100,000 people waited patiently outside the palace to catch a glimpse of their monarch, while small altars were set up to pay homage to the King. Several times, despite a running commentary on the rites still being conducted inside the Royal Chapel, there were false alarms announcing the King’s arrival.

The King entered the monastery to pray, meditate, study The Buddha’s teaching and listen to religious sermons. He visited several Buddhist temples in Bangkok and also met Chinese and Vietnamese monks. During his 15 days in the monkhood, Queen Sirikit acted as regent. The King’s devotion to Buddhism enhanced his reputation among many Thais who yearned for a monarch who was conservative and sincere. Prior to entering the monkhood, the King had pardoned some 3,000 prisoners.