Deva Tat and Codom and Sammonocadam of Siam

Like "Beddru of Japan" and "Holy On," the names "Codom and Deva Tat of Siam" are the product of 19th-century alternative history lists (specifically Kersey Graves' The World's Sixteen Crucified Saviors).


 

There are no distinct, native "crucified saviors" of Siam (Thailand) named Codom and Deva Tat.


 

Instead, these are severe Western linguistic corruptions of two very real, famous historical figures from early Buddhism:


 

  • "Codom" is an archaic 17th-century European misspelling of Gautama (specifically Samana Gautama, a title for the historical Buddha).


     

  • "Deva Tat" is a misspelling of Devadatta, who was the Buddha's cousin, rival, and attempted assassin.


     

Early European missionaries visiting Siam (which practices Theravada Buddhism) heard stories about Gautama Buddha and his evil cousin Devadatta. Some of these accounts became horribly garbled when translated back to Europe, leading 19th-century writers like Graves to erroneously list them as separate "crucified saviors" of Thailand.


 

Because this is a duplicate listing of the Buddha and his cousin, here are the factual answers based on the real figures of Gautama Buddha and Devadatta:


 

Timeline & Locations

  • Active Period: Both lived in ancient India and Nepal during the 6th to 5th century BCE.


     

  • Locations: They were active in the eastern Indian subcontinent. Their teachings were later brought to Siam (Thailand), which became a global center for Theravada Buddhism.


     

  • Calendar Date of Birth: In Thailand, the Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and death are all celebrated on a single day called Visakha Bucha (Vesak), which usually falls in May on the full moon of the 6th lunar month.


     

Appearance & Names

In Thai art, the Buddha ("Codom") is frequently depicted with a flame-like finial on his head (representing spiritual energy) and often shown in the "Maravijaya" posture (touching the earth) or reclining. Devadatta is rarely depicted as a standalone figure; he is usually shown in narrative murals as a villain.


 

Life, Death, & Resurrection

  • When & How They Died:


     

    • The Buddha ("Codom"): Died of natural causes (likely food poisoning or illness) at the age of 80.


       

    • Devadatta ("Deva Tat"): According to Buddhist scriptures, after trying to assassinate the Buddha and split the monastic order, Devadatta was swallowed alive by the earth.


       

  • Crucified? No. Neither was crucified. Some early, confused French missionary texts claimed Devadatta was crucified in hell as punishment, but this is a Western misunderstanding of Buddhist hell realms.


     

  • Did They Resurrect? No. The Buddha achieved Parinirvana (final release from the cycle of rebirth). Devadatta did not resurrect.


     

  • Descend to Hell or Ascend to Heaven?


     

    • The Buddha did not descend to hell.


       

    • Devadatta did descend to hell. Buddhist texts say he fell directly into Avici, the lowest and most agonizing hell realm, to burn for eons due to the severe negative karma of trying to kill a Buddha.


       

Actions & Theological Comparisons

  • Die for the Salvation of Man? No. Neither died to forgive human sins. The Buddha taught the path to enlightenment so humans could free themselves from suffering. Devadatta was a monk who fell into jealousy and ambition.


     

  • Born of a Virgin? No. Both were born to mortal parents within the Shakya clan royal family.


     

  • Called the Son of God / Part of the Trinity? No.


     

  • Will They Judge Man in Heaven? No. In Buddhism, the impersonal law of Karma judges actions. There is no personal savior judging souls in heaven.


     

Worship & Followers

  • How They Were Worshiped: The Buddha is deeply venerated in Thailand (Siam) through the offering of lotus flowers, gold leaf, chanting, and meditation.


     

  • Who Worshipped Them? The Buddha is revered by millions of Buddhists worldwide. Devadatta is not worshipped; he is universally recognized in Buddhist tradition as a traitor and a cautionary tale of greed and ego.