Within the vicinity of the temple lies a rock shelter adorned with intricate carvings of a group of Buddha statues, which is the origin of the name "Phu Phra." This site has long been a place of reverence for the local people. In recent times, a roof has been constructed over it, sheltering a large seated Buddha statue in the meditative posture, known as Phra Chao Tü (พระเจ้าตื้อ). This statue measures 5 feet in width and stands 7 feet tall, with its right hand resting on its leg and the left arm gracefully draped across the lap, in a pose opposite to the Mara Victory gesture. In front of this grand figure sits a smaller sandstone Buddha statue, 7 inches tall, exhibiting the same characteristics. Nearby, there are another seven Buddha statues intricately carved around the sandstone pillar, arranged in rows. Among them are five statues in meditation pose and two akin to Phra Chao Tü. These statues possess the artistic style characteristic of the U Thong period and are believed to date back between the 18th and 19th Buddhist centuries, contemporary with the early Ayutthaya period. Every year, a ceremonial worship event for the Buddha statues at Phu Phra takes place in the middle of the fifth lunar month, commencing on the 14th day of the waxing moon, and lasts for three days.
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Phu Phra (Wat Sila At)
Province: Chaiyaphum