Wat Phet Samut
Wat Phet Samut Worawihan, also popularly known as Wat Ban Laem, is an ancient royal Buddhist temple of the Mahā Nikāya sect located in Samut Songkhram Province, Thailand. It holds significant religious importance, particularly for its revered principal Buddha image, Luang Por Ban Laem, which is believed to possess healing powers and attracts many devotees seeking blessings.
Key Facts
- ›Considered a third-class royal temple and a provincial temple.
- ›Originally built during the Ayutthaya period as 'Wat Si Champa' under King Prasat Thong.
- ›Rebuilt and renamed 'Wat Ban Laem' by villagers fleeing Phetchaburi in 1764.
- ›Houses the sacred 'Luang Por Ban Laem' Buddha image, believed to be from the Sukhothai–early Ayutthaya periods.
- ›A renowned tourist attraction in Samut Songkhram, alongside other local landmarks.
- ›Mentioned in the lyrics of popular luk thung songs, contributing to its cultural presence.
Important Relationships
- King Prasat Thong
- Luang Por Sothon
- Luang Por Wat Rai Khing
- Luang Por To
- Luang Por Thong
Luang Por Ban Laem
- Rebuilt By Ban Laem Villagers Fleeing Ava Troops' Attack On Phetchaburi In 1764.
About Wat Phet Samut
Wat Phet Samut Worawihan, also widely recognized as Wat Ban Laem, is a historically significant Buddhist temple situated in Samut Songkhram Province, Thailand. It belongs to the Mahā Nikāya sect and holds the status of a third-class royal temple, as well as being a provincial temple.
History and Founding
The temple's origins trace back to the Ayutthaya period, established under the reign of King Prasat Thong. Initially, it was known as "Wat Si Champa." The current name, Wat Ban Laem, emerged in 1764. According to historical accounts, when Ava troops attacked Phetchaburi, villagers from the Ban Laem area sought refuge in this location. They subsequently rebuilt the temple, adopting the name of their former settlement.
Religious Significance and Luang Por Ban Laem
A central feature of Wat Phet Samut Worawihan is its principal Buddha image, known as "Luang Por Ban Laem." This revered image, approximately 167 cm (5 ft 5 in) in height, is depicted in the alms-carrying posture and is believed to date from the Sukhothai or early Ayutthaya periods. Folklore surrounding Luang Por Ban Laem suggests it was discovered floating in a river alongside four other principal Buddha images from prominent temples in the central basin, leading to the belief that they might be related, possibly as brothers. These other images include Luang Por Sothon, Luang Por Wat Rai Khing, Luang Por To, and Luang Por Thong. Luang Por Ban Laem is highly venerated by Buddhists, both locally and internationally, and is particularly sought after by those seeking blessings for recovery from illness.
Location and Tourism
Wat Phet Samut Worawihan is strategically located on Phet Samut Road, within Tambon Mae Klong, Amphoe Mueang Samut Songkhram, in Samut Songkhram Province. Its proximity to the Mae Klong River and the Mae Klong Railway Station makes it easily accessible. The temple is now recognized as one of Samut Songkhram's most celebrated tourist destinations, drawing visitors alongside other local attractions such as Don Hoi Lot, Mae Klong Railway Market, and Amphawa Floating Market.
Cultural Presence
The temple and its associated region have also found a place in popular culture, notably being referenced in the lyrics of at least two luk thung (Thai country songs). The songs "Mon Rak Mae Klong" and "La Sao Mae Klong" mention Wat Phet Samut Worawihan or Wat Ban Laem, embedding the temple within the cultural landscape of Thailand.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Wat Phet Samut Worawihan known as informally?
Wat Phet Samut Worawihan is also popularly known as Wat Ban Laem. This name is derived from the villagers who rebuilt the temple after fleeing from Phetchaburi.
What is the history behind the name Wat Ban Laem?
The temple was originally built during the Ayutthaya period as 'Wat Si Champa'. Following an attack on Phetchaburi in 1764, villagers from the Ban Laem area fled and rebuilt the temple, naming it after their original settlement.
What is the significance of Luang Por Ban Laem?
Luang Por Ban Laem is the principal Buddha image of the temple and is considered one of the most sacred. It is a Buddha image in the alms-carrying posture, approximately 167 cm high, and is revered for its supposed healing powers, attracting many visitors seeking blessings.
Are there other famous Buddha images related to Luang Por Ban Laem?
According to folklore, Luang Por Ban Laem was found floating in a river along with four other significant Buddha images: Luang Por Sothon, Luang Por Wat Rai Khing, Luang Por To, and Luang Por Thong. These are considered principal images in prominent temples of the central basin, and some folklore suggests they were brothers.
Where is Wat Phet Samut Worawihan located?
The temple is situated on Phet Samut Road, Tambon Mae Klong, Amphoe Mueang Samut Songkhram, in Samut Songkhram Province. It is located near the Mae Klong River and the Mae Klong Railway Station.
Is Wat Phet Samut Worawihan a popular tourist destination?
Yes, Wat Phet Samut Worawihan is regarded as one of the most renowned tourist attractions in Samut Songkhram. It is often visited alongside other local attractions such as Don Hoi Lot, Mae Klong Railway Market, and Amphawa Floating Market.
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