Worship at Famous Temples in 3 Provinces: Singburi, Ang Thong, and Suphan Buri

Worshiping Famous Buddha Images in 3 Provinces: Our Unique Approach

With Visakha Bucha Day approaching, we've compiled a list of three renowned temples across three provinces to guide your pilgrimage and merit-making activities during this auspicious holiday.

Our journey begins at Wat Phra Non Chaksi Worawihan, a third-class royal temple located approximately 5 kilometers from Sing Buri town center.

In front of the temple, before entering to pay respects to the reclining Buddha statue inside, there is a replica of the reclining Buddha statue. This is the designated area for lighting incense and candles to worship and gilding the Buddha statue.

The interior of the vihara houses a large reclining Buddha statue in the Sukhothai style, which is remarkably beautiful. The statue measures 1 wa, 3 sok, 1 khuap, and 7 niw in length. The Buddha's face is turned towards the north, while his head is turned towards the east. His right arm is extended forward, not raised to support his head as in the Thai style.

The journey takes approximately 15 minutes or about 10 kilometers to reach Wat Pikul Thong. Inside the temple, there is the largest Buddha statue in the posture of bestowing blessings in Thailand, namely Phra Phuttha Suwannamongkhon Mahamuni or Luang Pho Yai, with a lap width of 11 wa, 2 sok, 7 inches, and a height of 21 wa, 1 cubit, 3 inches.

In addition to making merit and paying respects to the Buddha, this temple also allows visitors to feed the fish.

Walking to the side of the parking lot, you will find the temple of Luang Pho Phraen, or Phra Thep Singhaburajar, the abbot of Singburi province and former abbot of this temple. He was a highly respected monk who made significant contributions to Buddhism and played a crucial role in shaping the beautiful appearance of Wat Pikul Thong.

Leaving Wat Pikul Thong and heading north for approximately 11 kilometers, one arrives at Wat Pho Khao Ton, situated opposite the Bang Rachan Heroes Monument. While this temple lacks a large Buddha statue for worship, it holds significant historical importance. The temple's defining feature is its symbolic wall, replicating the walls of the Bang Rachan camp. This is because the temple originally served as a stronghold for the villagers of Bang Rachan, who used it as a base to resist the Burmese invasion of Ayutthaya in 1765.

The front of the temple houses the shrine of Phra Ajahn Thammachote Rangsi, where a statue of the revered monk is enshrined. Phra Ajahn Thammachote has been revered by the people of Sing Buri since ancient times, as he was a beacon of hope and inspiration for the brave villagers of Bang Rachan. His presence empowered the villagers to fight and defeat their enemies. The area around Phra Ajahn Thammachote's kuti is a sacred place where people come to pay their respects, make offerings, and pray for blessings. The holy pond is a popular destination for those seeking to make wishes or ask for favors. When their wishes are granted, they return to fulfill their vows by carrying water in buckets, the number of which corresponds to the number they promised.

Another highlight of this place is the Banrajarn Retro Thai Market. So we decided to have lunch here.

The merchants here dress in period costumes and even speak in an archaic manner.

A boat laden with sweet treats arrived, accompanied by the grateful words, "Thank you, my dear." It was truly delicious, I must say.

After a satisfying meal, the journey continued from Sing Buri Province to Wat Khun In Pramual in Ang Thong Province, a 40-minute drive. The temple houses the reclining Buddha statue of Wat Khun In Pramual, also known as Phra Si Mueang Thong. The statue measures 50 meters in length, making it the second-longest reclining Buddha statue in Thailand, after the one at Wat Bang Phli Yai Klang in Samut Prakan Province.

According to legend, Khun Inthapramun embezzled government funds to build the temple. When questioned about the source of the funds, Khun Inthapramun refused to tell the truth and was punished to death. It is believed that if he had revealed the source of the money, he would not have received the merit he desired.

Travel approximately 11 kilometers east from Wat Khun Inthapramun to reach Wat Ton Son.

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Phra Rajasuwannmoli initiated the construction of a large Buddha statue named "Somdet Phra Phutthanawalokeuttara Thammadee Si Mueang Thong" or "Somdet Phra Si Mueang Thong," a sacred Buddha statue highly revered by Buddhists in Ang Thong and neighboring provinces. Its exquisite Buddhist art impresses all who behold it. Cast in brass, it measures 6 wa 3 sok 9 inches wide and 9 wa 2 sok 19 inches tall, and is entirely covered in pure gold leaf.

Located approximately 47 kilometers from Ang Thong Province, "Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat" is a temple that has stood for at least 600 years and is considered a landmark of Suphan Buri. It is renowned as the origin of the Suphan Buri Buddha amulets, one of the five most revered amulets among amulet collectors.

As I left the temple, I saw a pair of doves with pleading eyes. May they find freedom.

Next, we visit Wat Pa Lelai, a temple popular among locals for its revered "Luang Pho To" statue. This towering statue, visible from afar, is housed in a grand vihara. The statue, crafted in the U Thong-Suphanburi style, depicts the Buddha in the Pa Lelai posture. Seated with legs crossed and feet dangling, the left hand rests palm down on the lap, while the right hand rests palm up on the other lap, in a gesture of receiving offerings. The statue stands at an impressive 23.46 meters tall and has a circumference of 11.20 meters.

Having arrived in Suphan Buri, it is customary to pay respects at the City Pillar Shrine. This site is distinguished by its majestic, large dragon statue.

Our merit-making trip has come to an end. We are filled with joy, peace, and blessings. See you on our next trip!

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