Bangkok: A monastic ordination project under the patronage of the Supreme Patriarch was conducted as a merit-making act for Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Debyavadi, Krom Luang Rajasarinisiripatchara Mahavajrarajathida.
According to Thai News Agency, the government held an ordination ceremony today, with His Holiness Somdej Phra Ariyavongsakhatayan, the Supreme Patriarch, instructing Somdej Phra Maha Veerawong to preside over the event on his behalf. Mrs. Yupa Thawiwattanakitbavorn, Permanent Secretary of the Prime Minister's Office, led the ceremony from the lay order, along with Ms. Rachaneephorn Thitithap, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, and other government officials at Wat Ratchabophit Sathit Mahasimararam in Bangkok.
The ceremony commenced at 9:00 AM, where Somdej Phra Maha Veerawong lit incense and candles in homage to the Triple Gem. Mrs. Yupa Thawiwattanakitbavorn then paid respects by lighting incense and candles before the portraits of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, and Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha. This was followed by a presentation of a report to the presiding monk by the novices' representatives and the Permanent Secretary of the Prime Minister's Office.
Somdej Phra Maha Veerawong, on behalf of the Supreme Patriarch, led the ordination ceremony for the novices, providing guidance and concluding with a group photograph in front of the main chapel. Following the ceremony, lunch was offered to the monks by officials from the Office of the Permanent Secretary to the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Transport. At 12:30 PM, alms bowls were presented to the novices by government officials, who then proceeded to undertake full ordination ceremonies at four designated temples: Wat Ratchapradit Sathit Mahasimararam, Wat Bowonniwet Vihara, Wat Thepsirin Thrawas, and Wat Buranasirimatyaram.
This initiative, patronized by the Supreme Patriarch, aims to honor Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha's graciousness. The project involves 100 participants who will engage in the study of Buddhist scriptures and the practice of Dharma, with the intention of sustaining Buddhism and integrating its principles into their lives for societal and national benefit.