“RAKSOT DEVI 2015” Print on Canvas BY SOMPOP BUDTARAD

               “Raksot Devi,” one of the Seven Songkran Goddesses, is the daughter of Thao Kabinlaphrom, known for her deep gratitude and filial devotion. According to the Songkran legend, when Thao Kabinlaphrom lost a riddle contest to Dhammakuman, he honored his promise by offering to sever his own head. However, if his head were to fall upon the earth, it would set the world ablaze; if left in the air, it would cause drought; and if dropped into the ocean, it would dry up the seas.

                Thus, Thao Kabinlaphrom instructed his seven daughters to place his head on a ceremonial tray and carry it in a procession, circling Mount Meru each year. This became the origin of the Songkran Goddess tradition, where each day of the festival is represented by a different goddess, each with her own name, weapons, and animal mount. The goddess corresponding to the day on which Maha Songkran falls is honored for that year.

                Raksot Devi is the Songkran Goddess of Tuesday. She is adorned with a lotus flower tucked behind her ear, wears Morakot (emerald-like) jeweled attire, and consumes blood as her sustenance. In her right hand she holds a trident, and in her left, a bow and arrows. She rides upon a boar as her mount.

                 Artist Sompop Bubtarad, in collaboration with the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA Bangkok), has created a limited-edition artwork titled “Raksot Devi.” This piece is a high-quality canvas print produced using the “Inkjet Giclée” printing technique, which is acid-free and lignin-free, ensuring long-lasting preservation. Each print is individually numbered and personally signed by the artist with elegance.