The Largest Phra Somdej Toh Buddhacharn Phomarangsi (Phra Luang Phor Toh) Temple @ Sikhiu (Nakhon Ratchasima)
Viharn Phra Somdej Toh Buddhacharn Phomarangsi @ Sikhiu (Nakhon Ratchasima)
Toward??the end of??Mega fam, we visited??the largest??temple in Nakhon Ratchasime delicated to one of the most famous and beloved ancient monk during Thailand???s Rattanakosin Period, Phra Somdej Toh Buddhacharn Phomarangsi (1788 – 1872). The temple enshrined the largest Phra Somdej Toh statue??in Thailand and the project is spear-headed by a famous 70′s Thai film actor Sorapong Chatree. Having gained fame and fortune, he contributed his money to build this magnificient temple.
Offering gold leaf to Phra Luang Phor Toh
Located in Sikhiu in Nakhon Ratchasima, the temple has taken several years to build and is still under-construction. It is ??surrounded by a????Thai landscaped garden where orchids and red roses blooming profusely on every corners??.We were warmly welcomed by the actor himself who dressed in white upon our arrival. Not him alone but most of the volunteers too. The temple was very crowded?? and everyone was busy making their way to pay their respect to Phra Luang Phor Toh in the main hall and some were waiting eagerly for a photo moment with the famous Thai actor or shopping for souvenir and amulets from the temple.
Who was Phra Somdej Toh Buddhacharn Phomarangsi ? Phra Somdej Toh was born in 17 April 1788 in Kamphaeng Phet Province, possibly the son of King Rama I. He studied the Buddhist scriptures of the P?li Canon with several Buddhist masters. After becoming a well-known monk, he became the preceptor for Prince Mongkut, later King Rama IV, when Mongkut became a monk. During Rama IV???s reign Somdej Toh was given the ceremonial name Phra Buddhacharn Toh Phomarangsi.
Merit making by offering a roof tile
According to the legendary story of Nang Nak, Mae Nak died during childbirth while her husband was serving the army but her love for her husband was everlasting. The husband discovered the truth one day and abandoned her and seeking refuge in the temple. She viciously took revenge on the villagers who revealed her secret and her spirit was finally tamed and subdued by Phra Luang Phor Toh. The story was made into a famous Thai ghost movie,Nang Nak some years ago. I love the film photography.
A typical Thai landscaped garden
He was noted for the skill of his preaching and his use of Thai poetry to reflect the beauty of Buddhism, and for making amulets call “Somdej”, the most famous Thai amulets. The amulets were blessed by himself and other respected monks in Thailand and his holy amulets are very powerful and highly sourced by amulet collectors from all over the world. He died on 22 June 1872 at the age of 85.
Beside the main temple, there are many resting places and outdoor cafe for people to relax. It also provide free food and drink. Work is still in process and hopefully, with more donations from the general public will eventually complete the temple in the near future. As usual, I donated a roof tile to the temple for a safe journey home before leaving for our last destination, Suwan Sweet Corn Farm .
Getting There:
On the right of ??the National Highway 2 of Korat in the direction from Bangkok.
A Photo moment with Thai film actor Sorapong Chatree @ Viharn Phra Somdej Toh Buddhacharn Phomarangsi
