Dhamma Path Blog: Visiting Wat Ban Trang (Wat Prawet Phupha) ~ PT Chao Seang - Pattani

Wednesday, November 27, 2024

Visiting Wat Ban Trang (Wat Prawet Phupha) ~ PT Chao Seang - Pattani - Thailand.

Far away from Pattani town to Mayo district of Pattani, hidden a famous temple Wat Ban Trang. Temple with master PT Chao Seang (LP Seang) as abbot. The current unrest in southern Thailand began on January 4, BE2547 has become a place full of terrorist and bombing issues until today. Due to safety reasons, not many tourists come to a visit here. Those people who have left behind in the province are poorer families, army and the monks. Besides relying on the army for protection, the monks and high monks has become their only moral supports for the poor families to believe in. During this kind of situation, weapons and firearms are more trustable than the law. Besides weapon and firearms, nothing else can be comparable to a sacred object or amulet consecrated by a high monk to keep them safe. PT Chao Seang amulets and sacred object consecrated by him have been highly sought after by people and the army for wearing for protection purposes. Due to many escapes from death or harm incident.

The signage of Wat Ban Trang (Wat Prawet Phupha) in Pattani.

Photo taken with iconic Ta Phran Boon hunter statue. According to the legend that has been told One of the hunters that no one can compare with is Ta Phran Boon. According to legend, Ta Phran Boon has good wisdom and can travel in the deep Himalayan forest and had saved the life of Thao Chompoojit from death. Naga King Thao Chompoojit then took Ta Phran Boon to the Naga Pit for 7 days and gave him a magic crystal. Thao Chompoojit ready to grant his wishes if in the future Ta Phran Boon wishes for anything, he will come to this place. When he asks for anything, he will give it because it is considered as repayment for Ta Phran Boon saved Thao Chompoojit's life. Therefore, people highly respect Ta Phran Boon and must do good deeds to refrain from evil. Which is amazing good of trade, charming love and care, compassionate and popular, protection from dangers and refrain various black magic spells as well. It is believed that a hunter is a person who is very skilled in magic. Able to survive in a forest that is only dangerous from various beasts and mysteries, which Ta Phran Boon is considered to be the greatest, hard to compare with anyone. Another story of Ta Phran Boon hunter is when uses a magical rope to capture the youngest of seven Kinnaree sisters to his master Phra Suthorn (both fell in love and got married).

Photo taken with statue of PT Chao Saeng with 2 Kwai Tanoo buffalo statues.

Phor Than Chao Saeng of Wat Ban Trang was born in the 7th Feb BE2462 in Mayo town - Pattani province. During that time, Mayo town was a small town and culture closer to the tribe. PT Chao Saeng ordained as a novice monk at the age 21 who served 76 years in Buddhism. He lived to the age of 98 years and passed away on 22nd Aug year BE2560. After ordained as a novice monk, Phor Than Chao Saeng has been studying Buddhism and Wicha Practice under the guidance of 2 senior monks of Wat Ban Trang who is Phor Than Keow and Phor Than Chai. The ex-abbot Phor Than Chai of Wat Ban Trang before Phor Than Chao Saeng who is an expert in the ancient Magical practice of Kwai Tanoo and Hoon Pa Yoon and KayaPhan (belt Yant). The sacred KayaPhan is the special magic practice of Wat Ban Trang passed down through generations. To others, it might just look like a normal belt with some engraved Yants. However, every single of Yants engraves onto the belt has a special effect and meaning. It takes very long efforts and time to complete each set of a belt. Therefore he was one of the most well respected monk in the 3 provinces of Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat. Amulets and sacred object consecrated by him have been highly sought by people and the army. Due to many escapes from death incident, Military officers from the army will always seek for Phor Than Chao Saeng sacred object for wearing for protection purposes.

The small gate to old Ubosot of Wat Ban Trang.

The sacred old Ubosot of Wat Ban Trang, it was completed restoration work in year BE2558. Guards by 2 Red & Green Tao Wessuwan statues at front.

Wooden carved image of PT Chao Saeng and statue of Ta Phran Boon.

The Gong and Marble Chedi.

Wooden carved Mae Takian and Mae Thorani.

The hidden art work of carved Wood Takian inside Wat Ban Trang. Very impressive of quality and art skill done by local artisan.

Wat Ban Trang wiharn buildings. This temple was honor and has been selected as a prototype religion site temple in Pattani.

The Hall building in Wat Ban Trang with small altar venerated inside.

The sacred Tripitaka Hall building was built in year BE2499 by Phor Than Chao Saeng (Phrakru Mongkhon Prapas Chanthawanno) with helped from villagers and head craftsman. This building with designing raised off the ground with local style and Chaturamuk roof. Whole building is completed in year BE2500.