Revisited (BE2568) Wat PhaKho (Wat Ratchapraditsathan) ~ Somdet Chao Pha Kho LP Thuad - SongKhla - Thailand - (Part 2/2).

Having the opportunity to visit Wat Pha Kho again, one can truly appreciate why it is a place worth returning to. The atmosphere is both peaceful and refreshing, offering a spiritual and cultural retreat from everyday life.

This edition of our Temples Journey column presents a travel route tracing the history of Luang Pu Thuad in Sathing Phra, Songkhla. It is an ideal itinerary for those who love local cultural tourism or for devotees seeking to combine faith with learning, exploring the life, teachings, and sacred sites associated with this highly revered monk.

Visitors can experience not only the historical and architectural treasures of the temple but also the spiritual aura that has made Luang Pu Thuad a beloved figure for generations.

Wat PhaKho was originally built in 1514 and underwent major renovations in 1610. It was the residence of the highly revered monk Somdet Chao Pha Kho, also known as Luang Pu Thuad Yiap Nam Thalav Chuet, famous monk for walking on fresh water. Wat PhaKho is renowned for its rich history, spiritual significance, and architectural treasures. Chedi Phra Suwanna Malika (Chedi Sri Rattana Mahathat), a pagoda housing relics of the Buddha, built between BE2048–2100 with contributions from Phraya Damthamrongkasat (or Phraya Thammarangkhan) and monks who retrieved relics from Sri Lanka. The Chedi stands 40 meters high and is accompanied by a Wiharn (assembly hall), Ubosot (ordination hall), and Thammasala (sermon hall).

The magnificent Chedi Phra Suwanna Malika rises gracefully over the temple grounds, housing sacred relics of the Buddha brought from Sri Lanka. Its base is adorned with numerous venerated Phra Buddha statues, creating a serene and awe-inspiring atmosphere for devotees. This sacred structure symbolizes faith, devotion, and the enduring legacy of Thai Buddhist heritage.

Pay homage to Luang Pu Thuad Yieb Nam Talay Chuet at Wat Phakho, Somdet Chao Pha Kho (Luang Pu Thuad, who walking on fresh water).

This old Pavilion was built during the Ayutthaya period. During the reign of King Phra Kho, it was used as a place for oath of allegiance ceremony of the governer of Phatthalung and also as a place for settling legal cases at the time.

This sacred Lean Chedi was built alongside the Chedi Phra Suwanna Malika and carries a timeless moral lesson for future generations by story telling:

Long time ago, giants attempted to build Chedis to rival human construction. Humans, driven by faith and devotion, constructed the Chedi Phra Suwanna Malika. The giants, despite their strength, built their pagoda as well, but it could not stand as tall or as upright as the human-built one. Today, the giants’ Chedi appears smaller and leans to the ground — a lasting reminder that true strength comes from faith and sincerity, not just power or size.

This story embodies the Buddhist teaching that spiritual devotion and moral integrity outweigh mere physical might.

The sacred Ubosot ordination hall of Wat PhaKho in southern Thailand, showcasing traditional Thai Buddhist architecture with an ornate gabled roof, intricate gold and red decorations, and a peaceful temple atmosphere. At the front stands a powerful Tao Wessuwan guardian statue, furious and imposing, symbolizing protection.

Inside the main altar of the Ubosot at Wat PhaKho, showcasing a stunning golden altar adorned with intricate traditional Thai patterns. A majestic golden Phra Buddha sits at the center, radiating serenity, surrounded by gilded decorations, sacred ornaments, and red carpet floors.

Inside the ubosot (ordination hall) of Wat PhaKho. The interior features rich reddish and maroon decorations with traditional Thai Buddhist motifs and subtle gold accents. Rows of small Buddha statues are embedded along the walls, evenly spaced and serene. The atmosphere is sacred and peaceful, with soft natural light illuminating the hall, polished floors, and a sense of deep spiritual reverence. The Ubosot at Wat PhaKho is adorned with sacred ropes (Sai Sin) and Phayant tied above, used in ceremonial blessings to transmit merit and protection to devotees.

The stunning bell tower of Wat PhaKho, rising gracefully above the temple grounds, a symbol of faith, tradition, and timeless Thai Buddhist craftsmanship.

The Shrine for elephant tethering post (a tie-down post), believed to have belonged to the governor of Sathing Phra, was found in the Pang Lung area of Sathing Phra district by Mr.Charoon Kanjanaphen, who then presented it to Wat PhaKho.

Stunning Phra Pikanet statue in Wat PhaKho.

Banner invitation for Kathina event BE2568 at Wat PhaKho. We're invite to the Kathina robe offering ceremony at Wat PhaKho each year to join in making merit and preserving the Buddhist tradition.

A realistic photo taken at Wat PhaKho featuring revered Luang Pu Thuad (LP Thuad) statues.

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See more LP Thuad  amulets from Wat PhaKho at:

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Revisited (BE2568) Wat PhaKho (Wat Ratchapraditsathan) ~ Somdet Chao Pha Kho LP Thuad - SongKhla - Thailand - (Part 1/2).

Somdet Chao Pha Kho (LP Thuad) is the most revered of the great monks of Southern Thailand, and for good reason. According to legend, a band of pirates once sailing near the coast noticed the monk walking along a hillside in his distinctive manner and decided to put him to the test. They abducted him and carried him aboard their ship, but as they attempted to sail away, the wind died and the vessel would not move. The pirates were forced to anchor for many days until their supply of fresh water was exhausted. Taking pity on them, Somdet Chao Pha Kho (LP Thuad) extended his left foot into the salty sea, which then miraculously turned into clean, drinkable fresh water. Amazed and deeply grateful, the pirates immediately returned him safely to shore. From that day onward, both the pirates and the local people paid homage to the venerable monk.

Phra Leela guardian figures at top of the stairway.

A long stairway leading from the main road up to Wat PhaKho on the hilltop.

Photo taken with statue of Somdet Chao Pha Kho ~ LP Thuad and Phra Phutthacharn Toh.

The surrounding landscape of Wat Phakho with the Phra Sivali statue.

Hall building for general assembly use by novice monks for learning and chanting.

Small Sala and Wiharn at Wat PhaKho.

The ancient well where the monk's robes were washed in the past.

The Gong and the baby Buddha statue with one hand pointing to the sky and the other to the earth depicts the legendary moment of Prince Siddhartha's birth, symbolizing his declaration of supreme spiritual attainment and universal guidance.

The Main Pavilion for Paying Respects to Luang Pu Thuad. Visitors to this temple will come to understand that Luang Pu Thuad is truly a spiritual center for the people of Southern Thailand and for devotees throughout the country. Paying respects here is an important and meaningful part of the visit.

Photo taken inside the Pavilion building and altar venerated LP Thuad statues.

The Buddha's Footprint is imprinted on a rock slab on Khao Phiphat Singh. It existed before the establishment of the temple, as shown by the area’s former name, Khao Phutthabat (Mountain of the Buddha’s Footprint). Later, local villagers came to believe that this footprint belonged to Somdet Chao Pha Kho (Luang Pu Thuad), who is said to have prayed and left the imprint for his descendants to venerate before departing from the temple.

A collection of photographs featuring Luang Pu Thuad statues in many different postures.

Amulet counter of Wat PhaKho.

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See more LP Thuad  amulets from Wat PhaKho at:

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See more other Thai amulets at:

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Visiting Wat PhaKho (also known as Wat Ratchapraditsathan) ~ Temple Of LP Thuad - SongKhla - Thailand - (Part 2/2).

Wat Phakho is the temple where LP Thuad resided during his youth, before he travelled to Ayutthaya to further his Dhamma studies. Now the temple has many of important archaeological site, including Reclining Buddha, Pagoda, Footprint of the Buddha, A replica and Monument of King Ram Raj Muni Sa Me Rarm.

 The sacred Wiharn with venerationof LP Thuad statue with Phra Buddha Footprint.

 The inside view of statues LP Thuad and outside view with Gong and Elephant statues and sacred well.

 The another small Shrine and Wiharn altar at Wat PhaKho.

 Photo taken below the standing Buddha statue.

Wat PhaKho built on the Phiphetasing Hill with long stairway and therefore we need to climb up the hill to reach it. This long stairway of steps are flanked by Nagas till to the top.

 Near the stairway located this small Shrine of LP Thuad.

 Temple Wat PhaKho amulet counter.

According to legend, when Luang Phor Thuad was a baby hanged in the cradle between two shady trees near the paddy field, he was nearly attacked by a large snake curled around him. After a while, the snake spit out a crystal ball of manifold colours on the baby’s chest and slithered away, everyone's surprise he was remained unharmed. 

 Photo taken with main altar of LP Thuad with many of his holy items inside.

 The Wax statue of LP Thuad and the sacred crystal ball belong to LP Thuad.

 The sacred wand of LP Thuad.

The photos of batch LP Thuad by Wat PhaKho and abbot LP Chan.

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See more LP Thuad  amulets from Wat PhaKho at:

👉 http://thaiamulets-dhammapath.blogspot.com/search/label/Wat%20PhaKho?m=0

.

See more other Thai amulets at:

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