Dhamma Path Blog: Visiting Wat Bang Kung – Iconic Temple Ubosot Hidden Within The Roots Of A Banyan Tree ~ Bang Kung Camp ~ Samut Songkhram

Sunday, November 10, 2024

Visiting Wat Bang Kung – Iconic Temple Ubosot Hidden Within The Roots Of A Banyan Tree ~ Bang Kung Camp ~ Samut Songkhram - Thailand (Part 2/2).

Wat Bang Kung – Temple Ubosot hidden within the roots of a banyan tree, the sacredness of this place does not just come out of nowhere. Situated in Samut Songkhram, it is believed that Bang Kung Temple was built over 300 years ago in the glorious day of Ayutthaya Kingdom. However, the Burmese attack unforeseeably came in the mid 18th century. Not long after, King Ekkathat commanded the army to set up the camp around the temple and Wat Bang Kung is thereafter a spiritual anchor of the people. Unexpectedly, Ayutthaya’s soldiers could not withstand the powerful Burmese army. The battle wrecked the camp down to a great length. Being the centre of Thais hearts and minds during wartime, King Taksin of Thonburi took charge in the restoration and the protection from the enemies after regaining the country’s independence.

The amazing outer Ubosot Wat Bang Kung reminded me of Angkor Wat in Cambodia. While there are, admittedly, many buddhist temples to visit throughout Thailand Wat Bang Kung is one of the most iconic. Having been engulfed by the roots and branches of large banyan trees over the course of several centuries the temple provides a seamless combination of natural beauty and serene spiritualism.

The new and old style of defence guard post in Wat Bang Kung.

The sacred Giant sword with plated old coin on surface, soldier hat and Holy Colour Rope bound on handle.

Photo taken with iconic Bot Prok Pho and inside Phra Buddha LuangPho PutthaNila Manee statue.

The Ubosot Bot Prok Pho (meaning sanctuary covered up by Bodhi tree). Inside, enshrined the famous golden Buddha LuangPho PutthaNila Manee statue. It is not so unusual that in such a peaceful place, many Thais visit the sanctuary daily to worship the figure. And if you have some time, do not forget to gild the gold leaf on the statue for good luck like the locals do.

Pay respect to famous golden Buddha LuangPho PutthaNila Manee statue that enshrined inside the Bot Prok Pho.

Inside the Bot with visible the Banyan tree roots and the fading mural painting on the walls.

The iconic Bot and cover whole by the Banyan tree.

Photo taken with guard soldier statue at front. Start from moving clockwise direction and taking photos, see more below.

The side view from the window.

The both back side of the Bot Prok Pho.

The side window can visible the sacredness Phra Buddha LuangPho PutthaNila Manee statue.

The banner info of Wat Bang Kung and face hole board for you to taking photos.

Photo taken with guardian soldier statue at the front side Bot Prok Pho. The last stop for clockwise direction around the Bot Prok Pho.

The iconic statues of soldiers in 18th century dress.

The prayer altar in tent of front side the Bot Prok Pho. The altar with venerated 7 days Buddha statues.

Shrines and houses for Mae Takian and Hermit Lersi in Wat Bang Kung.

Photo taken with memorial of King Taksin statue. Eventually, Burmese forces attacked the Siamese camp, but General Taksin and his warriors won a victory that would end up turning the tide of the war in favor of the Siamese. The next year, in 1768, Burmese forces retreated from Siam and General Taksin and his army left the area of Bang Kung. In time, the temple was forgotten and the banyan trees reclaimed the land. In 1967, as part of Thailand’s bicentennial celebrations, the government had the site restored and commissioned a memorial statue of King Taksin at the site.

The new Ubosot of Wat Bang Kung.

Wat Bang Kung not only is it a religious and historical site, the temple is also well known for the variety of artwork found in every corner. The famous life-size Thai Boxing statues is a must-see. Nearly a hundred traditional Muay Thai kick boxers are fighting in numerous poses.