The devastating flood situation in the East Coast of Malaysia has had a huge impact on the livelihood of fellow Malaysians affected by this natural disaster. This massive flood started past midnight on 23rd December 2014 with waters rivers in an alarming rate after a continuous storm. As we speak today after 1 week, the waters are still at dangerous level with consistent rainfalls and overflowing rivers.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected especially children and elderly irregardless of their race, religion or the political divide. When you consume food in the comfort at your warm home tonight, please be thoughtful for the many displaced families at temporary relief shelters while some people are still stuck at remote interiors that are inaccessible by any means of rescue attempts. Suffering is the only word to describe a catastrophic event like this especially in Kelantan - the worst hit state.
Taking from one of the doctrine on Annica, Dukkha and Anatta (Impermanence, Suffering and Non-Self), Anicca or impermanence had always existed since time immemorial. Without a trained mind, one will see materialistic things as always permanent which is actually not so when there's Dharma understanding. In the human abode for example a house, property, chairs, table, car, etc. is impermanent and none is actually permanent. In short, this Anicca pointed out that when we lose what our mind thought to be "mine", Dukkha (suffering) arises. Crying and lamenting by asking themselves "why this have to happen to me?" are too common to be heard from victims at the scene. We sincerely sympathize for those affected families and may they overcome their suffering soon.
This flood ordeal is horrific with daily rainfalls and gloomy skies even in Klang Valley which is spared from this disaster. During this difficult period of time, we take an example of a mother and her daughter bearing with dry biscuits and plain drinking water for 2 days in mosquitoes and reptiles (snakes and crocodiles) infected waters. We have witnessed many similar distraught families during this time of chaos. Sanitation, drinkable waters, food, dry clothing, and a place to sleep, etc. is what our fellow Malaysians needed now. Such is the ordeal and suffering they have to go through with little hope of savaging what is leftover from this flood.
A massive humanitarian relief effort is required urgently whether it be donation in kind, food, financial aid or medical supplies. You can view more photos and latest news from online portals or the social media for latest update. Please contact your local community or NGOs that are organizing disaster relief mission if you wish to give your support.
Disrupted water and electricity supply, intermittent telecommunication network, hunger, and price hikes on essential items in Kelantan is causing difficulties with impending shortages of supply due to road cut-off. This also hampered relief workers and volunteers trying their best to assist. We are more concerned with the health and well-being of those in the affected areas in terms of water borne diseases that will usually occur.
Alleviating the suffering of just one life is already a good merit. We hope you would come forward and contribute some effort in anyway that is thoughtful to all fellow Malaysians in those affected states. Whatever we could do now is just a temporary relief for those stricken flood victims. The aftermath and rebuilding will be the most challenging part in the longer term.
There are many folks in Kelantan and other parts being badly affected in this situation have to live temporary at makeshift shelters by the roadside or under a bridge. Water supply and electricity to those areas are being cut-off. Cooking instant noodles from collected rain water is the only way to fill their hunger. This is the reality of a major disaster of such magnitude that torn down the life of many people. At the same time Southern Thailand also faced a similar wrath of this monsoon storms and flooding. Areas affected are Phattalung, Songkla, Narathiwat, Pattani and Yala.
Amulets for Charity Donation
You may wonder what has amulets got to do in such a dire situation. To be straightforward, every piece of amulet has a value attached with it whether its collectible, sacredness or monetary value. In desperate times like this, amulet collectors could simply turn their collected amulets into cash in order to go through tough times. Jobs and income may be temporarily halted and people will need cash to buy food to continue living in desperate times like this. Converting amulets for cash is one way of savings for the rainy season by many seasoned amulet collectors.
We have also witnessed some good samaritans using their personal amulet collection to turn it into cash donation for this humanitarian relief effort. In conclusion, sacred amulet talismans can be used in many good ways especially in times like this.
This is our message to those still suffering..... We stand behind you - Be Strong.
This time around we shall visit some of Nakhon Pathom's amulet wonders. From culture to nature, and authentic Thai cuisines to spiritual life, you'll be hypnotized by the magic of life saving talismans from this once ancient city which produced many sacred and powerful monks until today.
Thailand is perfect for those who want to explore as much as they want to relax. There are ample opportunities for temple visitors as well as amulet seekers across this central province. Not only has Nakhon Pathom cultivated the image of being a paradise for seeking powerful amulets; but regular visitors like ourselves are starting to label Nakhon Pathom as one of Thailand's best place for collectible talismans.
For those fun travelers will not hesitate to get to this place by the local train services. For now Nakhon Pathom is pristine and beautiful to visit either by car, bus or commuter train. Not overrun at all, it still holds an incredible variety of sightseeing perspective for those seeking new experiences particularly in protective charms.
If you were to ask any Bangkokian around what is famous in Nakorn Pathom, the obvious answer is the iconic Phra Pathom Chedi. Apart from that, not many visitors would know the hidden treasures of amulets to be found in this rustic part of the world. About 2 hours away from Bangkok city, a slow and steady drive will get you to Nakhon Pathom in no time.
Whatever you do, don't even think about taking a sampan ride to get there. We guarantee you will never reach. There's also another travel option for visitors taking an overnight train journey from Butterworth, Penang. You can practically stopover at Nakhon Pathom's main train station to tour the many temples surrounding this provincial city before continuing your travel plans. For rookies and amateur traveler, this may be a kind of journey that is too fearful when going to the unknown.
Certainly this destination is a much safer place than most Southern provinces. Just be bold and brave to step into the world of discovery traveling. This is what we would call "Braving The Mind". For the time being, just relax and enjoy what we have been through this gateway in order to bring out the best of Nakhon Pathom's protective charms.
Transcending Centuries of Buddhism
Nakhon Pathom is a provincial city in central Thailand that Buddhism first came here. At one time Nakhon Pathom served as the centre of the Dvaravati Kingdom, a loose collection of Mon city that flourished between the 6th and 11th centuries. Some archelogical scholars speculate that the area may have been inhabited before India's Asokan period (3rd century BC), as there is a theory that Buddhist missionaries Monk Sonathera and Monk Uthathera from India visited Nakhon Pathom much earlier to spread Buddhism. Nakhon Pathom, it is also home to another icon Wat Phra Pathom Chedi. A chedi commissioned by King Mongkut and then completed by King Chulalongkorn in 1870.
There're a lot of journals and books about this old city that you can easily find in bookstores around Bangkok. For us here at SimplyBuy, it's always nice coffees at the street side enjoying reading and doing research before presenting this article story.
The Constant Hatching of Powerful Amulets
In this spiritual travelogue we bring you some of the best temples from this ancient city in Thailand. Nakhon Pathom is also the birthplace of many powerful amulets. To begin with, we shall highlight all the temples in sequence beginning with the most powerful amulets to-date. We shall kick-start off with Wat Charoen RatBamrung (popularly known as Wat Rangman), which is the epitome of this article. There's no intention to create propaganda of any kind to promote specific talismans or temples.
Wat Rung Mun
Luang Phor Paew (or Phaeo) is the present abbot at Wat Rung Mun (Wat CharoenRart BumRong). He is a living legend and very well known guru monk for his spiritual Dhamma teachings and sacred amulets. In Nakhon Pathom, the faithfuls of Luang Phor Paew's miraculous talismans will usually get an all-round protection and success. For this solid reason all the amulets are quite pricey and highly sought after in Thailand.
Whenever there's a blessing ceremony or Maha Puttaphisek, Luang Phor Paew will be invited to participate. Luang Phor Paew lives a simple life and does not bother about money and material gains. He always do his best to develop Buddhism and restoring temples.
His amulets are very holy and famous for protection. Veteran collectors will quickly agree that all Luang Phor Paew amulets over the years are worthy of collecting. Some people tried to prove the sacredness of Luang Phor Paew amulets by live gun firing at often found surprises - guns misfire, the trigger simply don't work.
People think great sacredness of talismans by LP Phaeo come from his strong mind power and Barami merits. At all times Luang Phor Phaeo would like people to follow the Dharma Teachings in everyday life.
Today Luang Phor Paew has more than one temples under his supervision; Wat Sawang ChartpaChar BumRong, Nakhon Pathom Province; Wat Kampaeng Saen, Nakhon Pathom Province and Wat CharoenRart BumRong (Wat Rung Mun) also in Nakhon Pathom Province.
Born in B.E. 2466 ( C.E. 1923 ) October 7. his father enrolled him to learn Buddhism in B.E.2475 at Wat NgaungMuang to study under Luang Phor Song. Because of poverty he had to discontinue his education and work to support his family. In June 27, B.E. 2486 at 20 years old Luang Phor Paew decided to officially become a fully ordained monk with the blessing from his parents. He was ordained at Wat NgaungPlahLai. Since then he had never look back at his layman life and became a highly spirited monk propagating Buddhism in his native homeland Nakorn Pathom. Luang Phor Paew took meditation practice very seriously and learned the Pali scriptures throughout his formal education.
In 1954 Luang Phor Paew studied at Wat Sawang ChartPaChar BumRong. After finishing his Diploma studies, he had taught monks and novices in this temple. Luang Phor Paew later became the abbot of this temple until 1959. He moved to Wat Kamphaeng Saen to study deep mind concentration and further his Buddhism knowledge. Since that time Luang Phor Paew became the abbot of Wat Khum PangSaen.
When Luang Phor Paew was residing at Wat KhumPang Saen, the temple needed urgent funding to repair its dilapidated condition. With deep thoughts during meditation, he then decided to make Sacred Incantation scrolls known as “Takrut” to raise funds.
Luang Phor Paew’s takruts are very popular for its multi-purpose usage. As far as we know most monks started making Takrut initially until they've perfected its usage before start making other amulets.
There're many miraculous stories associated to this Rian Bai Sa Ker (ใบสาเก) which was only consecrated in B.E.2555. Luang Phor Paew's sacred amulets are highly respected by the faithful devotees and believers. There must be a solid reason for Luang Phor Paew's huge following in Thai's contemporary amulet circle.
The miracle of Luang Phor Paew's sacred talismans started surfaced after a shooting incident where the son of a food stall outside the temple compound was hit by a stray bullet. This incident happened during one New Year festival where some drunk rogue gangsters used their guns instead of firecrackers to fire into the night. One of the bullet hit the stall owner’s son. Miraculously the boy was unharmed even with a direct hit from that strayed bullet.
There have been countless incidences of such nature with Luang Phor Paew's talismans whether its Takrut or Rian medallions.
Of course some devotees do not easily believe the sacredness of Luang Phor Paew's amulets. They took LP Paew’s talisman to the cemetery to try firing it with guns. The gun’s trigger got jammed or simply won’t open fire.
All those gun testing makes makes Luang Phor Paew even more widely known and his talismans started gaining respect from all people around. Money and donations started flowing into rebuilding the 3 temples under the care of Luang Phor Paew.
Once any holy talisman were consecrated and issued out from the temple, as usual there will be some villagers who will deliberately organize a "gun-testing ritual" to test out the sacred power of Luang Phor Paew’s amulets. Various methods are being used with the aim to test its invulnerability. Placing the amulets at a firing range to test out with automatic weapons to hanging the amulet at a chicken neck. The result is simply amazing as shown in many amateur video recordings that are posted in YouTube.
Later on those who tested will become traumatically with serious condition even doctors find nothing is wrong. With the help from relatives and friends those gun testers pleaded to LP Paew for forgiveness. Since then no longer anybody would dare to mess with the sacred amulets again with those gun testing ritual. This is a good lesson learned for all those ritual testers.
Roon Plodplai B.E.2557 Silver
Don’t try it at home if you have any of Luang Phor Paew’s amulets. Firing a gun at sacred Buddha object by way of testing its invulnerability or power is an act of disrespect to the Buddha and is punishable by the law of karma. We hardly see lately videos of gun testing on Luang Phor Paew’s newly consecrated amulets.
There've been numerous accounts about accident victims crawling out from their badly mingled vehicle. Some of these life saving incidents and stories came with testimonials from those believers of Luang Phor Paew's holy objects.
Roon Aryuyuen LangYant Suan B.E.2556 (Ner Fabart)
You can be skeptical about such stories thinking that this may be some kind of hoax or some publicity made to promote those sacred amulets. Not too long ago there's a similar type of case which happened here in Selangor, Malaysia also involving Luang Phor Paew's sacred Rian medallions.
The MPV incident above (between Perak/Selangor border) was returning home after a company dinner at night. The driver (only person wearing Luang Phor Paew's amulet above) and the full-load of passengers in the MPV escaped with minor bruises despite the car was flung to a ditch at high speed after hitting a road divider while trying to avoid a collision with another on coming vehicle.
One distinctive similarity between these two recorded cases (Thailand and Selangor) revealed a quite recent issued Luang Phor Paew's holy medallions was worn. One piece is Prab Pairee B.E.2554 with Hanuman and the other a Lang Yant Suan B.E.2556 with Luang Phor Paew in meditating posture.
Phra Sangajai and Pidta Ner Wahn - Luang Phor Paew 92 years Birthday batch
When Luang Phor Paew decided to make his first sacred Takrut decades ago, he ensured that the arcane sciences used will work on those Takrut and the same goes to all his other talismans. There's no short-cut in his approach to making efficacious talismans. Perhaps that is his personal characteristic to do tasks will full responsibility and do it to the best.
Likewise, Luang Phor Paew had been entrusted by the people to take care of the 3 temples and he had done a marvelous job just like what he had done to make great protective talismans to protect worshipers, temple supporters and believers using his magical sciences for good purpose.
Chedi Construction at Kamphaeng Saen
Seen here is a recent (Nov 2014) amulet batch consecrated by Luang Phor Paew for a Chedi construction at nearby temple in Kamphaeng Saen District.
Luang Phor Paew often reminds the faithful devotees to wear a holy amulet whenever going out from home. In his advise "You may request the amulet to provide safety and a smooth day ahead. When returning home after removing the amulets, affixed to the forehead with a sincere gratitude thanking the sacred amulets for the power of its protection and keeping in mind on a daily basis with outmost sincerity wanting to follow the correct thinking and behavior of Lord Buddha". This is a really precious philosophy teaching by Luang Phor Paew for faithful believers and all amulet wearers.
Over the years Luang Phor Paew had made many batches of amulets to help other temples and the community in Nakorn Pathom Province. Any piece of Luang Phor Paew's talisman is worthy either for personal use or for collection purpose.
As temple travelers like us, we can't be greedy to get every single piece of amulets. As a matter of fact, just 1 piece is enough to remind us that we've been to a certain temple or have visited a particular monk. More importantly whenever we wear an amulet bearing the image of any particular monk, we shall recall our good fortune to have obtain the amulet that grants us protection and the Buddha's Teachings.
Timing is always crucial in all temple hopping tours especially when the place is faraway from Bangkok city. You need to be quick and for that reason we called this a "Whirlwind Tour" fast lightning speed is required.
Wat Bang Phra
Wat Bang Phra is believed to be a few hundred years old located in Nakorn Chaisri province that is 50km away from Bangkok. This temple is dubbed as Sakyant tattoo temple where thousands of devotees go for tattoos daily. The great master Luang Phor Perm had developed a widespread international followers for sacred magical body tattoos that could prevent knives attack and speeding bullets. Amulet talismans from Wat Bang Phra is equally effective in this aspect of protection.
Apart from amulet talismans, the previous abbot - Luang Phor Pern and the temple is always associated with a tiger although Wat Bang Phra in English translation means "Temple of Buddha images". Although LP Pern had passed away, this temple is still very popular with many visitors and devotees. The annual Wai Kru ritual held in March is a highly anticipated tradition in honor of LP Pern and other past masters of Wat Bang Phra.
Luang Por Pern Tithakuno was born on Sunday 12 August B.E.
2466 (C.E. 1923) in Nakhon Pathom. He was one of eight siblings in his family
members. His parents name Fok (father) and Yuang (mother). During his teenage years LP Pern’s family moved to Supanburi
province. At this time he became a true
highway man who sought after teachers in order to learn magical spells for
protection that can be used in physical combat. Thus LP Pern would become a student
of Luang Por Daeng of Wat Tong Kork. LP Daeng was a direct disciple of Luang
Por Nong whom practices Kammathan (forest way of life).
LP Daeng taught LP Pern many 'Wicha' magic and how to apply
them. Although LP Pern’s intentions at
first were perhaps not truly Buddhist (in the sense that he was more interested
to acquire skills in magic), yet LP Daeng still had faith in the young LP Pern
in regard to his promising future as a Buddhist monk. After a few years of tutorage during his
teenage years under LP Daeng’s guidance, he eventually moved back to Nakhon
Pathom where he would join the military service in his early twenties. While serving the army LP Pern had the opportunity to meet Luang Por Him
Intachotoh, the abbot of Wat Bang Phra at that time. LP Him taught LP Pern
about Sak Yant (magical body tattoos)that had been passed down from generation
to generation. As soon as LP Pern’s
military service had expired he decided to ordain as a Buddhist monk to pick up
the knowledge that he had learnt from LP Him. His ordination took place on 23
May in B.E. 2491 at Wat Bang Phra, and LP Him would be LP Pern’s ordination teacher.
LP Pern stayed at Wat Bang Phra for about four years. In this time he continued his studies from LP
Him. During that period of time LP Him’s health slowly decreased and LP Pern
would closely tend to his teacher. When
LP Him eventually passed away LP Pern decided to leave Wat Bang Phra in order
to find a new teacher and to be able to practice Tudong Kammathan in the
forest.
At that time Nakhon Pathom province was full of
practitioners for black magic, and a lot of gangsters who always shown interest
in the knowledge of spells and Sak Yant. Soon LP Pern met Luang Por Opasi of Wat
Rungsri and asked him to become his teacher. LP Opasi agreed to his request and
so it happened that LP Pern would receive further instructions in the Dhamma
from LP Opasi for a period of one year. When that year passed LP Pern had been
advised to continue his search for other teachers as well, and thus he left Wat
Rungsri to go on Tudong again. This time (somewhere around B.E. 2496-2504) he
went to Kanchanaburi and from there he travelled through the Tranaosri mountain
across the Thai-Burmese border.
Then in year B.E. 2505, LP Pern had returned again from his forest wanderings and showed up at Wat Tong Kork in Kanchanaburi. Since he had gone for so long many people came to visit LP Pern at Wat Tong Kork. At that time LP Pern was offered the position as abbot of this temple, to which he complied. LP Pern managed to rebuild and develop Wat Tong Kork in a short period of time. Soon after the temple construction works was completed, LP Pern left the temple to go on Tudong once again. After two more years of forest wandering his next stop would be at Wat Koak Kema in Nakhon Pathom. Here, in B.E. 2509, a similar scenario would take place as had happened previously at Wat Tong Kork. LP Pern would become abbot of WatKoak Kema. It was in this temple where LP Pern’s first batch of amulets such as Phra Somdej Loi Ong, Phra Sangkajai and several Rian medallions were made.
Nicknamed "4 Clicks" when a gun was aimed at a wearer of this Amazing couldn't trigger after 4 times.
LP Pern soon would become well-known, not only for his amulets, but more specifically for his Sak Yant mastery. Later in years LP Pern received a royal monastic decree from the King, and became abbot of Wat Bang Phra only a few years after that. From that time onward many people went to visit Wat Bang Phra in order to receive Sak Yant tattoos from LP Pern.
LP Pern passed away on 30 June in B.E. 2545 (C.E.2002) at the age of 79. Today Wat Bang Phra upheld the Waikru tradition of Sak Yant festival and has become known internationally with thousands of visitors and disciples from every part of the world. LP Pern had successfully revived this ancient practice amongst newer generation of followers in this art form.
Luang Phor SamAng
Wat Bang Phra is also famed for its powerful sacred tattoo art called "Sak Yant". Each year many devout followers will get their body tattooed by reputable masters here and performed the Wai Kru ritual. Follow our full storySacred Ink and Wai Kru.
Wat Sam Ngan
Wat Sam Ngan was known as Wat Arunyikaram in the past. It's an important temple in Thailand for its association in making efficacious Guman Thong following Luang Phor Tae's secret manuscript. All the Guman Thongs created at Wat Sam Ngan has the ability to help their owners in term of protection and gaining success.
Luang Phor Yeam a close disciple of Luang Phor Tae
Luang Phor Tae
The Biography of Luang Phor Tae
In BE 2475 at age 40, Luang Phor Tae became the Abbot of Wat Sam Ngan. At that time, the temple was quite dilapidated and needed much reconstructions. It is said that LP Tae possessed a lot of "metta" loving kindness and "parami" blessed power. Wherever he go, many villagers will come forward to lend a hand to support him either with money or gifts. But he never accepted those material things except morning alms only.
In pursuit of knowledge in ultra Dhamma understanding, Luang Phor Tae had traveled deep inside forests and jungles throughout Thailand between B.E.2455 to B.E. 2472. At the same time he also met many sacred-spell experts including a former top ranking Khmer military General. Amongst the gurus that Luang Phor Tae had learned arcane sciences are LP Cham of Wat Takong and several other well-known masters during that era.
During the pilgrimage duration in deep forests, Luang Phor Tae also returned to Wat Paniangtak to assist in renovation and construction works. Luang Phor Tae was ordained at this temple in B.E.2454 at the age of 21 years old. In particular LP Tae attended the funeral of Luang Phor Tah (also known as Phra Kru Uttrakarnbodi) of Wat Paniangtak in B.E.2465. It was during this occasion that he met with Luang Phor Cham whom he regarded as one of the most influential teacher.
In actual fact Luang Phor Cham was not much older than Luang Phor Tae and this displayed a non-egoist nature of Luang Phor Tae who honor others who dedicates firmly to Dhamma Truth. Luang Phor Cham was extremely well known for his strict Dhamma practice and had attained high skills in Saiyasat or magical arts. He unselfishly imparted all his knowledge to Luang Phor Tae.
Many people may have the idea that Luang Phor Tae learned the arcane science of creating Guman Thong from Luang Phor Cham. This is not the case. Interestingly Luang Phor Tae learned from an old manuscript that was passed down to him by a respectful senior monk from Wat Kutidiaw in Nakhon Pathom that is now deserted. The present abbot of Wat Sam Ngan revealed that this ancient arcane science for creating Guman Thong as described in the manuscript was used by Luang Phor Tae and is considered a heritage property of the temple today.
We can conclude that all Guman Thong created at Wat Sam Ngam followed the described rituals and materials. Hence, all the later generations of Guman Thong as we could see today issued by Wat Sam Ngam are considered properly blessed just as the 1st, 2nd and 3rd batch made during Luang Phor Tae's time.
"Little Wonder Boys and Girls"
Newly created Guman Thong batches by Luang Phor Yeam don't command a high price and yet affordable to an average worshiper. More importantly is how we treat these little Guman Thong to bring upon blessings and some assistance in our life.
There are vendor stalls outside the temple compound. Unless you know what you're looking for and know how to authenticate genuine or replica, then proceed. Otherwise you may end up with getting some "tourist souvenir". If you have uncertainty or an awkward feeling just browse around is also a learning platform for amateur amulet collectors. Just enjoy the fun of learning and talking to some locals. Time is running out and be quick to chase after the whirlwind to go to the next temple.
In this present day many people still held a strong belief that LP Tae's amulets could bring extreme luck and fortune. In many occasions people wearing his amulets were unharmed from accidents and could expel evil spirits. Of course his best known amulets is Guman Thong.
Wat Phra Pathom Chedi
Wat Phra Pathom Chedi is considered an ancient Buddhist temple. This is the birthplace of Buddhism in the Thai Kingdom. When you ask people in Bangkok what is famous at Nakorn Pathom, the answer will most likely be Wat Phra Pathom Chedi.
In the year B.E. 2452 at Nakorn Phatom Province the supreme
Patriarch Somdej Phra SangKaarat (Kay) of Wat Bowon Niwet issued an invitation to
all temples in every province to send representative monks with high
Wittayaakom (magic) and Palangjit (mental power) to participate in an
exchange of knowledge. There would be a test of Ultra Dhamma. The response was
overwhelming as hundreds of monks from different provinces attended the
ceremony which was held at Wat Phra Pathtom Chedi for a period of 3 days and 3 nights.
The monks had to use their mental power to move a
carpenter's wood plank from a starting point to a designated point and then back to
the start. In this test, many monks were able to move the carpenter's plank to a designated point. However, most of the monks failed to move it back to the starting
point. Only 10 great monks passed the test.
LP Klan of Wat Phayatigaram, Ayuttaya, Champion 1st Place
LP Boon of Wat KangBanKeow, Nakon Phatom, 2nd Place
LP Suk of Wat Makham Tao, Chinat, 3rd Place
LP Yaim of Wat Nang, Bangkok, 4th Place
LP Ngern of Wat Bang Klang, Phicit, 5th Place
LP Taa of Wat Paniangdtaek, Nakon Phatom, 6th Place
LP Tong of Wat KaoGaBotWaaSee, Nakon Sawan, 7th Place
LP Pan of Wat Banghia, Samut Phrakam, 8th Place
LP Yim of Wat Nongbua, Khachanaburi, 9th Place
LP Jon of Wat Don-Ruap, Chumpon, 10th Place
Outside the temple compound is a small township where you can get around easily to have lunch. Street food peddlers selling a variety of gourmet food are aplenty here if you need a break for lunch before continuing your journey to other temples in Nakhon Pathom.
Wat Pailom
Apart from LP Tae of Wat Sam Ngan, this temple is also famed for its Guman Thong made by LP Poon. The large temple building is richly decorated on the outside with two temple guards standing in front of the main entrance.
Inside the building is a beautiful main Buddha image with several others around it. The ceiling above the images is a mix of painting and plastered decoration representing the Bodhi tree. On the inside walls of the building are large-scale paintings showing various scenes of Buddha's life as well as local village life.
Wat Srisathong - Phra Rahu
Wat Srisathong is best associated to LP Noi for worshiping Phra Rahu in Thailand. Also situated in Nakorn Pathom Province, the first abbot is Luang Phor Tai, a Laotian monks from Vientiane.
Worshipping Phra Rahu with only black colour foods, a list of 8 kinds of black foods and the meanings:
1. Black grapes means good business.
2. Black liqueur means courage to risk or invest.
3. Black coffee means you will get whatever you wish for.
4. Black jelly or Shoa Guay means patience and graceful thought.
5. Black beans mean progress.
6. Black sticky rice means wealth and love form family.
7. Black Thai cake means rewards, success and good luck.
8. Black fermented eggs mean successful contact or errands
Prayers to Phra Rahu is mainly to change one's bad luck to good and get mentor support.
Whatever you choose to do here, expect a warm welcome from locals and a total absence of the usual hassle you find back in Bangkok's metropolitan area. Usually an outskirt tour to Ayutthaya, Singburi, or Nakorn Pathom you would expect to be back to the city center by nightfall just in time for your dinner. Not forgetting to remind travelers about Bangkok's horrific traffic jams after office hours that would really test your patience if you got stuck.
The first time we come here is from a sheer sightseeing perspective visiting Phra Pathom Chedi. Now on the second visits it is all about going deeper into the fine protective charms. There're still many more great temples in Nakorn Pathom that is yet to be discovered in our travelogue simply due to time limitation. Temples that are only known to the locals are usually the best whether to pay respect to the abbot or donating requisites and funds. We hope you have an enjoyable read and may each of you find new experience in your own whirlwind tour to Nakorn Pathom temples.
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