Everythings about Thailand: Samut Prakan: Neighboring Temples Brimming With History

Samut Prakan: Neighboring Temples Brimming With History

UPDATE : 28 June 2010

Nida Tunsuttiwong

When examining Samut Prakan province's leading tourist destinations, it's important to take a look at the temples of Wat Bang Phil Yai Nai and Wat Bang Phil Yai Klang, which are located along Nam Daeng Road in Bang Phil Yai Nai district.

Celebrating Victory
Originally called Wat Plubplachai Chansongkram ('Pavilion for War Victory'), Wat Bang Phil Yai Nai was built during the reign of King Naresuan (1590-1605). The monarch, whose rule took place during the Ayutthaya Era (1590-1605), is widely credited with bringing to an end a period of Burmese tributary in the area.

The historic temple is widely known for its principal Buddha image of Luang Por Toh, which is said to be one of the country's most revered images of its kind.

Legend suggests that one day, three bronze-cast Buddha images were floating along the Chao Phraya River in the direction of the Bang Pakong River. Locals made several attempts to fish them out, but they continuously failed in their efforts. Finally, some villagers from Ban Leam in Samut Songkhram province managed to pull one of the images (called Luang Por Ban Laem) to safety, while the second one – Luang Por Toh – ended up in Wat Bang Phil Yai Nai. The third statue ended its journey to the east of Bangkok in Chachoengsao province.

A Ceremonial Display
Every year, residents of Bang Phil hold a ceremony known as the Receiving Lotus Custom. A replica of Luang Por Toh is carried aboard a large boat, which then heads off on a cruise along Klong Samrong ('Samrong Canal'). Folks line up alongside the canal and throw lotus blossoms onto the vessel as a form of offering to the statue. This ceremonial activity actually dates back to the rule of King Rama II (1809-1824).

The abbot of Wat Bang Phil Yai Nai provides visitors to the temple with fresh, clean drinking water, which is supplied for free. The temple also established some air-conditioned public toilets, which are estimated to be valued at about five million baht (US$154,226). The facility is extraordinarily clean and boasts its own garden area, including various hi-tech features, such as automatic faucets and sliding doors.

While you’re in this vicinity, don’t forget to visit Bang Phil market, which is located alongside the Samrong Canal.

Closer Investigation
Wat Bang Phil Yai Klang ('middle') is sited very near to Wat Bang Phil Yai Nai ('inside'). The temple has undergone several name changes over the years. Built in 1924, the temple was originally named Wat Klang. The temple's name was later changed to Wat Rat Satthatham and then Wat Bang Phil Yai Klang.

The temple is home to the kingdom's largest reclining Buddha - Sakayamuni Sri Sumet - which measures 53-meters in length. In fact, the reclining Buddha is so large it plays host to a number of huge mural paintings of heaven and hell, which you can view on different floors inside the structure. On the third floor, you'll see the image's heart, which followers can attach golf leaf to as an form of paying homage.

Standing proudly behind the pavilion is a brand new ordination hall. I even discovered a small tunnel here that allows visitors to explore the area underneath the hall. This act is supposed to bring good fortune to the person who undertakes the short walk.

The hall also features some vivid mural paintings that depict scenes from the life of the Lord Buddha. The paintings even serve as a form of historical record in a way, since you'll even see modern folks depicted here, such as a man wearing a T-shirt and another with dyed hair. Among these carefully composed paintings, if you look carefully, you should be able to spot within the mural a depiction of The Scream, the famous painting created by the Norwegian symbolist painter Edvard Munch in 1893.

Transport Connections:
Car: From Bangkok, take Highway 3 (Bang Na-Trad Highway) to Samut Prakan province’s Bang Phil Yai district. Once you pass Bang Phil Market for agricultural products, make a U-turn and take the route that bears to the left. Follow this road for three kilometers before turning left into Nam Daeng Road. This road will soon lead you to the temples of Wat Bang Phil Yai Klang and Wat Bang Phil Yai Nai.