Wat Si Dok (Wat Phra Chao Sitting Din)

Photo Credit: ททท.สำนักงานแพร่

Wat Si Dok (Wat Phra Chao Sitting Din)

Huafai Subdistrict, Sung Men District

"Wat Sri Dok" is located in Moo 3, Hua Fai Subdistrict, Sung Men District, Phrae Province, and is considered one of the oldest temples in the province. Currently, Phra Athikarn Somboon Prakakro serves as the abbot of the temple. The abbot shared the history of Wat Sri Dok and the statue known as "Phra Ja Ngang Din" as follows: While there are no written records of Wat Sri Dok's history, it has been passed down through stories over time, making it difficult to find concrete evidence today. However, a legend recounts that once, the Buddha traveled from the south and took his seat beneath a Bodhi tree. At that time, a group of Luang and Ja people came to fish at this pond and stumbled upon the Buddha, thinking he was a giant due to their unfamiliarity with his appearance. Startled, they fled in various directions. The Buddha called them back, declaring that he was not a giant but the Tathagata. Some of the group believed him, while others remained skeptical. Those who believed returned, while some stayed away, hesitating between fear and curiosity. To demonstrate his divine power, the Buddha performed a miracle, causing the Bodhi tree (also known as Sri tree) to bloom with beautiful, fragrant flowers. The Luang and Ja people, witnessing this spectacle, rushed home to inform others, returning in droves to see the Buddha and the blooming Bodhi flowers, leaving their gongs (Lang Gong) behind. This location hence became known as "Rong La Gong," a name that persists to this day. Recognizing the extraordinary nature of the being before them, the Luang and Ja people developed deep faith in the Buddha. The Buddha prophesied that in the future, a statue of the Tathagata would be erected at this site, which was then a dense, wild forest inhabited by various fierce creatures. In the ensuing years, some local groups established a statue of the Buddha in this forest and built a small hall made from bamboo, with a roof thatched with grass, where religious ceremonies could take place. Occasionally, tigers were known to make their home in this hall. Over time, more people settled in the area, establishing their homes. This led to the tradition of lighting a bonfire to honor the Buddha and to pray for rain during the ninth month of the lunar calendar. On February 14, 1971, Phra Wanrat had the opportunity to visit Wat Sri Dok. He noted that the statue of the Buddha there was different from any other in Thailand because it was positioned low on the ground. As a result, he named this statue "Phra Buddha Ngang Din," a title that has remained ever since. Phra Wanrat advised the faithful at Wat Sri Dok not to modify or elevate the statue in any way, which has been preserved in its original form to this day. Phra Ja Ngang Din at Wat Sri Dok is a beautifully crafted gilded statue, measuring 60 inches wide and 2 meters tall, in a meditative posture, recognized as one of the most exquisite Buddha images in Phrae Province. Additionally, the area surrounding Wat Sri Dok is home to many remarkable features, including a chedi hall and a sacred well containing a golden gong known for its melodious sound. There is also a mystical crystal that appears at auspicious times, glowing with beautiful neon-like colors. Furthermore, around the temple, there are sugar palm trees planted by Kruba Maha Thera from Wat Sung Men, along with Frangipani trees brought back from Phrae by Phra Chao Khamleu, the father of Phra Chao Kam Poo. It is said that no one dares to cut these trees due to the curse placed by their planters. Thus, the large Bodhi and other significant trees continue to thrive alongside Wat Sri Dok, providing shade for all visitors for generations to come. This narrative reflects the enchanting travel experiences and cultural heritage that make Phrae Province a distinctive and captivating destination.

Province: Phrae

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ลลิตา วันลาไม่เคยพอ

ลลิตา วันลาไม่เคยพอ

Member since 26/11/2020

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