Wat Thung Sri Wilai
Ubon Ratchathani's sacred temple has a long and interesting history
- Published: 7/03/2010 at 12:00 AM
- Newspaper section: Brunch
The long history of Ubon Ratchathani, which allows one to trace its rich glory back to pre-historic times as evident in numerous ancient artefacts as well as debris found across the entire region, inevitably binds this northeastern destination with more than enough vibrant folk myths and legends.
One of them is rooted in the ancient Wat Thung Sri Wilai in Tambon Chi Tuan of Khuang Nai district. Founded as a monk's sanctuary in 1797, the once modest monastery was elevated to the status of a temple about 100 years later. The splendid present-day compound's significant transformation and evolution over time can be witnessed through tier after tier of sema stones, boundary markers of a temple, that enclose the ordination hall and are dotted around the interior of the temple walls.
Legend has it that the temple area was originally a park belonging to Phra Nang Chiang Dai, the daughter of the ruler of Si Suan, known today as Chi Tuan, whose fame for incomparable beauty extended to neighbouring regions, including Nakhon Lamduan in today's Si Sa Ket province. Intrigued by the alluring reputation of her charm, Lord Intasaket of Nakhon Lamduan secretly dispatched troops to the town. Upon laying eyes on her, he was instantly mesmerised by her elegance. He then asked her to marry him, but Chiang Dai, already engaged to Lord Kalahongsa of Champasak, declined his proposal. Her refusal, however, wasn't taken into account as she was abducted by the stubborn Intasaket soon after.
Chiang Dai finally married Intasaket and gave birth to a child, who was unfortunately born with hideous features. This provided Chiang Dai's enemies with the perfect opportunity to slander her and put ideas into Intasaket's head. Totally convinced that this unusual phenomenon was an evil omen, Intasaket drove his wife out of the palace while his newborn baby was set adrift on a raft.
Following this cruel incident, Chiang Dai died from grief over her loss. Her demise brought about a sense of remorse and haunted Intasaket with so much guilt that he decided to make an arduous journey back to her hometown, where he buried her ashes at her favourite retreat. He then entered the monkhood around what is now the temple compound. The glittering golden three-spired prang situated at the heart of the temple that we see today has recently been built over the ruins of a group of chedis which are believed to contain the remains of Chiang Dai.
Aside from the rarely-seen triple prang structure, what really attracts people throughout the Isan region to visit the temple is Luang Por Phra Buddha Wiset, a highly respected laterite image in Nak Prok, or a posture of the Buddha under the Naga's multi-headed hood, which is enshrined inside the temple's vihan.
Said to date back more than 1,000 years to the Dvaravati period, the image's celebrated reputation is based on its history of blessing couples with fertility. This popular belief can be linked to the former governor of Ubon Ratchathani, Krom Luang Sappasitthiprasong and his wife, Mom Chiang Kham, whom after several failed attempts at conception decided to visit the revered statue in order to pay their respect and ask for a baby. Miraculously, Mom Chiang Kham found herself pregnant shortly thereafter.
Since then, the statue of Luang Por Phra Buddha Wiset has become a sacred icon of Ubon Ratchathani that draws Buddhist worshippers from both within and outside of the province who continuously make their way to pay homage as well as ask for blessing at this temple.
About the author
- Writer: Patsinee Kranlert
- Position: Reporter
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