Chamadevi (จามเทวี)

Thai. Name for Chamadevi of Lopburi, the former city of Lavo, where she originally came from. She was probably born in 633 AD. Her father send her northwards to spread civilization and Buddhism where she became the legendary first ruler of the Mon city of Haripunchai (now Lamphun), part of the 7th Century Dvaravati Kingdom. She was married to the king of Lavo and gave birth to a twin, Mahantayot and Anantayot, of whom the first one succeeded her as ruler of Lamphun, while the latter became ruler of Lampang. According to legend she had a terrible body odour which could be smelled from a far distance. She reportedly passed away at the high age of 98. Today, her statue (map - fig.) stands at various locations throughout Lamphun, e.g. at Wat Phrathat Haripunchai (fig.), in Nong Dok public park, etc. Also Phra Nang Chamadevi. 回