“MONTHA DEVI 2016” Print on Canvas by Sompop Budtarad

Montha Devi is one of the seven Songkran goddesses, the daughters of King Kabinlaphrom, who are known for their deep gratitude and devotion.

According to the Songkran legend, when King Kabinlaphrom lost a riddle contest to Dharmakumara, he honored his word by agreeing to behead himself as an offering. However, his head possessed immense power: if it fell to the earth, it would set the world ablaze if left in the air, it would cause severe drought and if dropped into the ocean, the waters would dry up.

To prevent such catastrophe, he instructed his seven daughters to place his head on a ceremonial tray and carry it in a procession around Mount Meru each year. This act became the origin of the Songkran goddess tradition. Each goddess has a different name, weapon, and vehicle, depending on the day of the week on which Maha Songkran falls. For 2016, the day fell on a Wednesday, making Manta Devi the presiding goddess.

Montha Devi, the Songkran goddess of Wednesday, is described as wearing armlets and adorned with champaca flowers. She is dressed in cat’s eye (vaidurya) gem ornaments and prefers milk and butter as her food. In her right hand, she holds a sharp iron spike, and in her left, a staff. She appears in a reclining, open eyed posture, riding on a donkey as her vehicle.

This interpretation was created by SOMPOP BUDTARAD in collaboration with the Museum of Contemporary Art Bangkok. The work is part of the limited edition “Montha Devi” series, produced as high quality canvas prints using inkjet giclée printing technology. These prints are acid free and lignin free, ensuring long term preservation. Each piece is individually numbered and personally signed by the artist.