While paying homage to the Chulamani Stupa in the Tavatimsa Heaven, the Venerable Pha Malai Thera saw ten thousand (mün) deities surrounding the stupa. The Venerable Malai Thera was a Buddhist monk who lived in Kamphosakham Village in Sri Lanka and is known for his legendary travels to heavens and hells. His story is popularly chanted during the Vessantara festival or Bun Mahasat. According to the legend, Malai Thera visited heavens and hells, then described to the lay people and fellow monks what he had seen there.
Colophon:
Folio 14 on the recto side: In Culasakkarat (CS) 1289, a moeng mao year, on the eighth day of the waxing moon of the fourth [lunar] month, at the time of the temple drum, the writing of this manuscript was finished.
Folio 14 on the verso side: In Cula-sakkarat (CS) 1289, a moeng mao year, on the eighth day of the waxing moon of the fourth [lunar] month, a Monday, at the time of temple drum, the writing of this manuscript was finished. Sathu (monk) Suvan had the religious faith to sponsor the making of this manuscript entitled Malai mün to support the Teachings of the Buddha to last until the end of 5 thousand years. Nibbāna paccayo hotu no (May this be a condition for us to reach Nirvana).
Item 1 - Title in Native script:
ມະໄລໝື່ນ
Item 1 - Title in Roman script:
Malaya Mün
Item 1 - Title in English script:
Phra Malai, a monk who traveled to heaven and hell.