Himavanta
| Himavanta | |
|---|---|
| Created by | Phra Yali Thai |
| In-universe information | |
| Type | Legendary Forest |
| Location | Mount Meru (fictional) |
| Locations | Anodard Pond, Mount Krailas |
| Character(s) | Kinnaree, Kinorn, Phaya Krut, Phaya Naga, Ramad, Gabillapaksa, Wanekamphu, Kodchasri, Sukrontee, Macha-Mangorn |
Himavanta is a legendary forest, also called Himmanpan Mountain, which is said to be located in the Himalayas. Himavanta appears in a piece of Thai literature called Traibhumikatha which explains that Himavanta is a forest where many diverse mythical creatures such as Phaya Naga, Phaya Krut, and Kinnaree, spirits or even gods and goddesses reside.
The mythical Nariphon tree that is often mentioned in Thai folklore is also said to grow here. The story of Himavanta and the explanation of the three existing planes were written by the philosopher-king of Si Satchanalai, Phaya Lithai. Since the Himavanta forest relates to Buddhist cosmology, it profoundly influences beliefs, cultures and artworks in the Buddhist and Hindu religions, among others.