Visiting Chao Por Lak Muang Khon Kaen ~ City Pillar Shrine - Khon Kaen - Thailand.

Khon Kaen city is the capital of Khon Kaen province and the fourth-largest city in Thailand. It is one of the four major cities of Isan, located in Northeast Thailand, also known as the "big four of Isan". In the center of Khon Kaen also has a city shrine 'Chao Por Lak Muang'. It is a religious site featuring a sacred city pillar, beautiful gardens, and statues, and is known to be especially beautiful and peaceful when illuminated at night. 

The night view of Chao Por Lak Muang and garden located at Sala Suk Jai, Thepharak Road, in front of Khon Kaen Municipal Office.

According to history: Chao Khun Pu - Ratchasarn Thammuni and Luang Thuraipinit, former Governor of Khon Kaen initiated by bringing the main stone inscriptions from ancient sites in Chum Phae District to perform the ceremony according to the Buddhist guidelines, making it a city landmark on August 20, 1956. It is considered a sacred place for Khon Kaen people.

The shrine’s main structure is a pavilion styled with 4 tympana and sculpted stucco over 4 entrances. The Shrine look stunning and is a popular place to visit at night because of this attractive lighting.

Chao Por Lak Muang, which is Khon Kaen’s city pillar shrine, is considered to be one of Thailand’s most impressive city pillar shrines. The shrine itself is located within a substantial and ornate building with a multi-tiered roof topped with a spire with a gold umbrella ornament at the pinnacle. At either side of the entrance to the shrine are large blue Chinese style guardian lions indicating the strong Chinese influence on Khon Kaen. To the rear of the shrine is small park with well maintained lawn, ornamental trees and sculpted bushes. At night the whole area is lit up with the shrine and the surrounding trees and shrubs covered in coloured lights. 

Inside the pavilion is the city pillar in the shape of a sema sculpted from a sandstone block from the Dvaravati period. The pillar shows traces of gilt lacquer work in Thai patterns, assumed to be done after the pillar had been enshrined, although worshippers are no longer allowed to gild the actual city pillar but the replacement model on the outside. However, the pillar is tied with several pieces of decorative cloth and surrounded by various worshipping objects laid above its stucco base decorated with lotus-shaped sculptures.

The sacred of City Pillar (Lak Muang) of Khon Kaen is a standing approximately 3-meter tall, octagonal sandstone pillar with a lotus base, the structure block from the Dvaravati period.

There are worshipers to pay homage and seek blessings. Chao Por Lak Muang Khon Kaen, the City Pillar Shrine is a sacred place of Khon Kaen Province which is highly respected by the locals.

This shrine hosts two impressive Siho finials with blue and gold finish as guards in front of the main entrance of the City Pillar Shrine - Chao Por Lak Muang. Siho’ or ‘Thow Si Ho’ in Synshai which is  Buddhist literature, the son of Phraya Kusaraj, the governor of Peng Chang City and his wife, Chantha. He was born with two younger brothers, Synshai and Hoi-Sang. Synshai, ‘Siha-cakkra-raja’ is a name set by Indra. Siho looks like a lion with elegant shape and its main features are: purely clean animal and elephant shape with an elephant head, a lion body and a horse tail. This leads to the interpretation that the ‘trunk’ is the organ for food and drink. It's like having a far vision in development, bringing prosperity to Khon Kaen City. ‘Ivory’ is a symbol of worthiness, like Khon Kaen, which is a beautiful city with precious traditions, religions and culture to be promoted. ‘A large ear’ represents Khon Kaen Municipality administrators that must listen to and heal the suffering of the Khon Kaen people. The ‘head’, in the ancient time, it was believed that elephants must have a large head as a knowledge center (brain stores), refers to the good, effective and various educations that have been developed in Khon Kaen. The ‘feet’ are clawed, clinging to the ground and standing pompously; it is like Khon Kaen people that have a strong base of life and ‘a tail’ to fend off insects, like the Khon Kaen people will be protected and will be so happy infinity.

The Chinese Dragon Pillar and Pagoda.

The outside area of the City Pillar Shrine is adorned with deity symbols from various cultures. Examples of deity symbols from Chinese culture include Chinese dragon pillars with three dragons: the golden dragon representing heaven, the red dragon representing good people and the green dragon representing the earth. There is also the symbol of heaven lantern which represents the Jade Emperor.

Offering statue of Roosters, Elephants and Zebras.

Statue of Elephants and Tiger.

The pillar shows traces of gilt lacquer work in Thai patterns, assumed to be done after the pillar had been enshrined, although worshippers are no longer allowed to gild the actual city pillar but the replacement model on the outside. Above photo is the replacement model for worshipper to gild gold foil and put on garland flower.

In addition, on the outside area of Khon Kaen City Pillar Shrine, there are also symbols of contemporary Hindu deities which are widely worshipped. The symbols are in the forms of small shrines dedicated to house Brahma and Rahu, two deities widely worshipped in modern Thailand. Apart from deities from various other cultures, there are also deity symbols from the local culture found on the outside area of Khon Kaen City Pillar Shrine, including a deity spirit house, an ancestral spirits’ house, and a Dharani Shrine.

The Shrine of Mother Earth - Phra Mae Thorani.

Photo taken in front of the Shrine Phra Mae Thorani.
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See more other Thai amulets at:

👉 http://www.thaiamulets-dhammapath.blogspot.com/?m=0 

Visiting Wat Ban Phaen ~ Pavilion LP Poon (ThongPoon) Thitasilo - Ayutthaya - Thailand (Part 2/2).

In Ayutthaya province, people would often hear about “Ruay Perm Poon”. Actually “Ruay Perm Poon” refers to the 3 guru monks of Ayutthaya Province which is Luang Phor Ruay Wat Tako, Luang Phor Perm Wat PomGaew and Luang Phor Poon Wat Ban Phaen. Many devotees in Ayutthaya Province would respect the 3 guru monks very much. Today we pay homage to the Phra Buddha and make merit for the body of LP Poon (ThongPoon) of Wat Ban Phaen with title name of Phra Mongkol Wutthachan. The remain body of LP Poon Thitasilo was enshrined inside the monk reception hall, Pavilion LP Poon (ThongPoon). Inside the pavilion, the most sacred is the Big Takrut Dok MaiThong 'Kru' enshrined together with LP Poon's body. In part 2/2, we sharing more photos for this Pavilion LP Poon.

Phra Mongkol Wutthachan or LP Poon Thitasilo, his original name was Thongpoon Sanyasophi. He was born on Wednesday, November 16, 1932, corresponding to the 4th waning moon of the 12th lunar month, Year of the Monkey, at Ban Sam Ko, Village No. 1, Sam Ko Subdistrict, Sena District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province. He was the son of Mr. Ban and Mrs. Somboon Sanyasophi.

Photo taken inside the pavilion LP Poon (ThongPoon). This altar with venerated Bronze statue of LP Poon (ThongPoon), Wax statue and undecay body of LP Poon (ThongPoon).

LP Poon (ThongPoon) Thitasilo, 7th abbot of Wat Ban Phaen, located in Ayutthaya province. He was born on 16th November BE2475. As a child, LP Poon lived a life like any other child in his neighborhood. He studied at the fourth grade at Srirattananukul School, or Wat Ban Phaen School, "Srirattananukul" and graduated in BE2488. After that, he helped his parents with various occupations and was a diligent and patient person. But because of his desire to learn and study, he followed Luang Pu KhamPan, a monk who had wandered from Lamphun Province. Going up to the northern region, at that time LP Poon was only 14 years old. He followed Luang Pu KhamPan for 1 year. During that time he had the opportunity to study astrology. Until the appropriate time, he returned to his hometown. At that time, LP Poon was only 15 years old. But his knowledge and ability in astrology that he had studied was accurate and second to none. Due to the merit of LP Poon who was going to follow the path of Dhamma, he was invited by Luang Pho Wasan, who was the abbot of Wat Ban Phaen at that time and ordained as a novice at the age of 17 and by the time he reached the age of 20, he then ordained as a monk on 31st May BE2495. LP Poon’s Buddhist name was Phra Kru Suwannsilanukoon but popularly known as Luang Phor Thong Poon or Luang Phor Poon. He has studied Wicha with many guru monks such as LP Sanan Wat SaoTong Thong, Luang Phor Sawat, Luang Phor Mee - Wat Manwichai and Luang Phor VikBoon Wat KraTongThong. On top of that, LP Poon also learned how to make holy water from Luang Phor Pring. In addition, LP Poon also received the teaching of Luang Phor Sanan Wat SaoTong Thong on how to consecrate Takrut Dot MaiThong. In fact, nowadays Luang Phor Poon is also very well-known for his amulets. Luang Phor Poon had already passed on in the year BE2562.

Close view of the undecay body of LP Poon (ThongPoon). His body has not decayed or rotten (disintegrated) since he passed away. Every year 15th Nov, there is an invitation to bring the body down to clean and change the robes by his disciples.

The main altar inside the monk reception hall building, pavilion LP Poon (ThongPoon).

The front side is the 2 pieces of Piphat instrument. Students of Ban Phaen School will play these Piphat music for all ceremonial and ritualistic occasions.

Here display all requisite, alms bowl, robes and Holy Buchas statue by LP Poon (ThongPoon).

Take a tour of the sacred object amulets & statues, utensils, and belongings of LP Poon during his life, from his youth until his death. Disciples have collected sacred objects and items related to LP Poon, believing that these items will hold increasing sentimental value over time. They have collected and displayed them at the pavilion enshrining LP Poon's remains.

All the fan of honor 'Patyot Fan' of LP Poon (ThongPoon). This Patyot fan which is a ceremonial object awarded to LP Poon (ThongPoon) as part of an ecclesiastical title, called a sammasak.

This is the most special Takrut Dok MaiThong 'Kru', created and wrote and blessed by LP Poon (ThongPoon) himself. Come and bow and pay homage and pray for Takrut Dok MaiThong 'Kru'. This big Takrut Dok MaiThong 'Kru' is endowed 5 great ability other than protection; Maha Saney (ability to attract opposite sex), Maha Metta (ability of great loving kindness), Maha Niyom (ability of great popularity influence), Klaew Kard (ability to avoid dangers or misfortunes) and Ka Khai (ability to enhance business and selling).

Biography of LP Poon (ThongPoon). He served as the precept reciter at Wat Ban Phaen in BE2499, became the deputy abbot in BE2513, and assumed the chief abbot in BE2527. He rebuilt the monks' quarters, temples, and other facilities. He managed 37 temples in Sena district, Ayutthaya province, and promoted Buddhist education and charitable work. In year BE2559, he was conferred the title "พระมงคลวุฒาจารย์" (Phra Mongkol Wutthachan) and was highly revered by the royal family and the public, with followers throughout Thailand and overseas.
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See amulets from LP Poon Thitasilo of Wat Ban Phaen in my blog:

👉 https://thaiamulets-dhammapath.blogspot.com/search/label/Wat%20Ban%20Phaen?m=0

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See more other Thai amulets at:

👉 http://www.thaiamulets-dhammapath.blogspot.com/?m=0 

Visiting Wat Ban Phaen ~ Temple Of LP Poon (ThongPoon) Thitasilo - Ayutthaya - Thailand (Part 1/2).

In Ayutthaya province, Sena district, whose downtown area is also known as Ban Phaen, is home to several waterside temples. Among the most well-known in Ban Phaen - subdistrict is temple Wat Ban Phaen, home to late abbot LP Poon Thitasilo who is still widely respected. In Part 1/2, we sharing photos of temple surrounding area.

The center area of Wat Ban Phaen, under the jurisdiction of the Mahanikaya sect. Formerly known as Wat Chandrakhuhawa. It is assumed that it was built during the reign of King Borommakot of Ayutthaya around the year 1737 (BE2280). Wat Ban Phaen is famous under former abbot Phra Mongkol Wutthachan ~ LP Poon Thitasilo.

Welcome to pay respected to LP Poon Thitasilo and pray to Tao Wessuwan and Little GumanThong of Wat Ban Phaen.

Sala Pavilion LP Poon Thitasilo, enshrined of LP Poon statue with hand holding Takrut 'Dok MaiThong' and beside is the GumanThong statue.

Photo taken with standing statue of LP Poon 'Hand carry takrut Dok MaiThong' and statue GumanThong ~ Ai Tuek Lek. This sacred GumanThong was take care by LP Poon himself when LP Poon is still alive. the story is when LP Poon was ill and lay in hospital bed, and the nurses came pay respected to LP Poon and she said couldn't take care for the gumanthong statue and leave it to LP Poon to take care. When LP Poon passed away the Gumanthong~Ai Tuek Lek statue made into this large statue as we see now.

The Bell Tower & Drum of Wat Ban Phaen.

The Hall with venerated 3 sacred Phra Buddha statues and another side with a drum instruments.

Banner info for pay homage to the body of Phra Mongkol Wutthachan ~ LP Poon Thitasilo, inside the monk reception hall. Back side is the big Hall building.

Banner info for donate money to renovate the Gable of the Sala building at Wat Ban Phaen.

Along the corridor & Hall building with many banners and Gong.

Amulet counter of Wat Ban Phaen.

The temple gate of Wat Ban Phaen.

Shrine of Phra SangKaChai with Dragon Pillar. At the back the the Chinese Shrine and Mondop of Wat Ban Phaen.

The Sala and Wiharn building.

The sacred Ubosot of Wat Ban Phaen with venerated main Big Phra Buddha Phichitmarmolilo and also another one is from Art U-Thong period of Phra Buddha LP Phet. This Ubosot built since BE2320, and renovated in year BE2453 and another renovation and expansion in year BE2498.

The big Dome, Crematorium and hall building.
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See amulets from LP Poon Thitasilo of Wat Ban Phaen in my blog:

👉 https://thaiamulets-dhammapath.blogspot.com/search/label/Wat%20Ban%20Phaen?m=0

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See more other Thai amulets at:

👉 http://www.thaiamulets-dhammapath.blogspot.com/?m=0