Ayutthaya - Wat Phanan Cheong

Wat Phanan Choeng is a busy wat, with many Thai people worshipping there. You will also notice a lot of Chinese characters and writing before entering the main building. Chinese people name the image 'Sum Poh Kong', which means 'Good Luck in Boating'. 

The Buddha Image, known as "Luang Po To" measures 14.25 meters from knee to knee, and 19 meters in height (including the ornament above the head). It has the posture of Subduing Mara (as so many Buddha Images in Thailand). 

While it is constructed of bricks and mortar, the Buddha Image now is completely gilded.  A historical cronicle states that this gilded stucco image was built in A.D.1344, some 26 years  before the establishment of Ayutthaya as the capital of the Thai Kingdom in A.D.1350.

The central Buddha image is surrounded by many other minor figures. On the walls, especially at the back behind the image, are hundreds of niches containing small buddha images. Each Buddha in a niche represents a donation to the temple.

Location

The monastery is located in the southeastern area at the confluence of the Chao Phraya and the Pa Sak Rivers.The easiest way to get to Wat Phananchoeng from central Ayuthaya is by ferry from the pier near Phom Phet Fortress.

Opening hours:  The temple is open from 8.00am - 5.00pm.

Recommendation ***** (Must see)

Luang Po To - I heard from the locals that some years back
when there was a heavy flood in Ayuttaya, Wat Phanan Cheong
was spared as the waters was not able to penetrate the temple....Geng!

You can donate a small amount for the robes, after following the monk
chant, the temple helper will throw the robes over the shoulder of LP To,
and the other end over your head as blessings

This monk makes me felt so welcomed.  He blessed me more than others
and speaks a lot to me upon learning that I am a foreigner.
A pity I don't quite understand him.

Donated some books to the temple for distribution to the public.

Amulet counter

Hundreds of niches containing small buddha images. 
Each Buddha in a niche represents a donation to the temple.

It really is beautiful and I felt so calm inside here

Kuanyin temple outside by the river

Thousand hands Kuanyin 

I know this Da Bei Zhou and have memorized it.
A long chant but it's a very powerful all rounder chant. 

October 2017

Jan 2019