Wat Pa Lelai Worawihan - 12th Century Temple - Suphanburi Thailand 2022

Located on the western bank of the Tha Chin River. It is a royal temple as evident from the royal emblem of King Rama IV on the gable of the wihan. While practicing austerity during his monkhood, the king found this temple and had it restored after his succession to the throne.

It is believed that this royal temple was built during the glory days of the town. King Katae assigned a young Mon to renovate the temple in the year 1181. A huge Buddha image known as ‘Luangpho To’ in the elegant image hall or Wihan is the centre of faith for Buddhist people.

With a height of 23.46 metres, the Buddha image is seated in the European style in the posture known as Palilayaka, accepting offerings from an elephant and a monkey, the art from U-Thong Suphannaphum period.

Experts said the Buddha image must have formerly been in the gesture of giving the first sermon and was built outdoors to be seen from a great distance. This style was widely found in the pre and early Ayutthaya periods. The huge Buddha image houses 36 relics of the Lord Buddha. The temple holds big celebrations for the Buddha image twice annually during the 7 th -9 th days of the waxing moon of the 5 th and 12 th lunar months.

Behind the temple buildings is a traditional Thai house known as ‘Khum Khun Chang’. It is a large group of traditional Thai houses on stilts made of teak, which was built as described in Thai literature ‘Khun Chang-Khun Phaen’. The house exhibits pictures depicting scenes from the literature, as well as old-fashioned equipment, ceramics and furniture.

The temple also features some amazing murals depicting scenes from Thai literature. The whole complex is a treat to visit and I would recommend a visit to anyone in the area.

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