Overall view of the main wiharn from the parking lot.Wat Panan Choeng is an old monastery housing Thailand's largest ancient Buddha image, known as "Luang Po To". A historical chronicle 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.
Originally, the Buddha image was exposed to the elements of nature in accordance with Thai tradition where no covering structure was made over a large statue so that the magnificence of the image could well be admired from any angle as well as from any visible distance.
Chinese followers revere the Buddha image as their "Sum Po Hud Kong", or the god protector of those who sail, since much sailing was done by the Chinese then, for trade or for migration.
Though an old temple, Wat Panan Choeng has never been deserted by its followers. In fact, continuous development has been made through time, as evidenced by the existing landscape and Thai architectural structures ornated by decorative art motifs attributed to different periods, side by side. The intoner and its facilities have constantly changed in adaptation to time, to ease the process of worshipping and study.
Though an old temple, Wat Panan Choeng has never been deserted by its followers. In fact, continuous development has been made through time, as evidenced by the existing landscape and Thai architectural structures ornated by decorative art motifs attributed to different periods, side by side. The intoner and its facilities have constantly changed in adaptation to time, to ease the process of worshipping and study.
It is also said that the beginnings of the temple is related to a love myth between a Thai Prince and a Chinese Princess of long ago.
Inside this ordination hall, there is big Buddha images arrange in a row from left to right.
1. Sukhothai gold Buddha image in the attitude of subduing Mara Its width is 3 cubits and 3 inches, its height is 4 cubits and 3 inches.
2. Ayudthaya stucco Buddha image in the altitude of subduing Mara. Its width is 4 cubits and its height is 5 cubits and 11 inches.
3. Sukhothai Buddha image made from an alloy of copper and gold, in the attitude of subduing Mara Its width is 3 cubits and 13 inches, its height is 5 cubits.
One assume that the gold Buddha image and an alloy of copper and gold Buddha image were built in the end of Sukhothai period about 1357 A.D. It is believed that originally they were covered with stucco and lacquered and gilt from the last clefeat to Burma in 1767 A.D.
Next in 1965 A.D., while cleaning these Buddha images, the stucco began to flake off and it was realized that gold Buddha image and alloy of copper and gold Buddha image existed inside.
Thus the stucco that covered these images was flakes until today.
No comments:
Post a Comment