 Thai
Buddhist > Temples > Wat
Sothon Wararam Worawihan
This temple is situated
on the west bank of the Bang Pakong River, 2 Kms. south of the city
hall. Enshrined in a new gigantic hall is Phra Phutthasothon, or "Luang
Pho Sothon" regarded as one of the most revered Buddha images in
Thailand. The image, in the attitude of meditation, measuring 1.65 metres
wide at the lap and 1.98 metres high, is always seen entirely pasted
with gold leaves by worshipers. Two annual fairs celebrating the image
fall in the 5th and the 12th lunar months (around April and November).
The
new tall ubosoth of Sothorn Wararam Waravihan temple never fails to
attract the attention of visitors. After 15 years in construction,
the graceful and huge ubosoth is nearly complete. It mirrors the strong
faith of the local people in Buddhism. The peak is 84 metres high.
It is decorated with five golden umbrellas weighing a total of 77
kilogrammes. This is probably the world's largest ubosoth.
Worshippers
come from far around to pay homage to Luang Pho Sathorn and a large
group of 20 other Buddha images. Thai dancers are on hand every day
to perform for a small donation.
According
to legend, Luang Pho Sothon (left picture) floated down the Bang Pakong
River to the site of the temple. Efforts to retrieve it were unsuccessful
until a villager had a small shrine erected on the site and performed
a ceremony welcoming the image to the community.
Information
source: TAT
and Bangkok Post
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