Wat Phanan Choeng
(source : google image)
Wat Phanan Choeng is famous for its enormous seated Buddha image, considered to be one of the most beautiful in the country also this temple was built in 1324, 26 years before king U-Thong founded Ayutthaya. According to legend tears shed from the eyes of the image just before the destruction of Ayutthaya by the Burmese in 1767.
The temple is located on the banks of the Pa Sak river opposite the South East tip of the historical island. From a river boat you will have great views of the monastery, that also has a boat landing.
Of course when we talk about Wat Phanan Choeng we are curious about the main temple attraction which is the huge image of the Buddha.
The brick and mortar image named Phra Chao Phanan Choeng is seated in the posture of subduing Mara, otherwise known as Calling the Earth to witness.
The richly gilded U Thong style image is also known as Luang Pho To. It is flanked by two disciples in adoration, Sariputta and Moggallana, who were the Buddha’s closes disciples.
The image was built in 1324, several decades before Ayutthaya was founded. After its completion the image stood outside, as the viharn had not been built yet.
Today the Phra Chao Phanan Choeng is enshrined in a large assembly hall, the Viharn Phra Phanan Choeng. Its walls are lined with hundreds of niches containing small images of the Buddha.
According to legend written down in the Phongsawadan Nua Here are the backstory of why the temple was built :
At some time before the Ayutthaya period, there was a Thai King named Phra
Chao Sai Namphung requesting the emperor of China’s daughter to be his wife.
She travelled from China to this area by boat. When she arrived, the King was not
there to greet her. She was heart-broken. She waited for a long time but the King
did not come. Finally, she killed herself by holding her breath. The King was very
sad, so he had this temple built at her cremation site in order to gain merit for her
soul, and he named the temple “Wat Phanan Choeng".
The architecture of Wat Phanan Choeng is heavily influenced by the Chinese because
Chinese refugees fleeing Song Dynasty persecution are thought to have first settled the
surrounding area in the late 13th century.
in this temple you can see some Chinese art while exploring the area, here are some examples
of what you can find during your visit :
-Chinese lanterns, banners, a Kuan Yin image
-Chinese-style Buddha images
-large shelf of Chinese statuary.
Source :
Nice work.
ReplyDeleteThe backstory of why the temple was built is interesting. You can look into this as your basis of your New Treasure
ReplyDeleteAnd also its Chinese influence.
ReplyDelete