Have you ever heard of the name "Wat Phananchoeng"? Most of you, I am sure would say 'Yes'. Some of you may say 'No'. As a matter of fact, Wat Phananchoeng is an important place for most Thais. We know that it is a place where we can make merit and charity. Moreover, it's a place of wonderful scenery which is located just south of Ayutthaya city on the east side of Chao Phraya River and the fresh air. Indeed, Wat Phananchoeng is another famous attraction in Ayutthaya. Its main attraction would have to be the giant Buddha image that can be found within its sacred halls.
Getting to Wat Phananchoeng is easy if you have a car. From Bangkok, I take a car about 2 hours. How far is it from Bangkok? I'd say it not far. Which the temple is located on the outer bank of the river in the southeast corner of the town, close to the Phom Phet fort or you may be get there by ferry from the fort on the opposite bank.
Wat Phananchoeng has a largest ancient Buddha image, known as "Luang Po To". The historical chronicle states that this gilded stucco image was made in A.D. 1334, some twenty-six years before the establishment of Ayutthaya as the capital of the Thai Kingdom.
Originally, the Buddha image was exposed to the element of nature in accordance with Thai tradition where no covering structure was made over a large statue so that the magnificence of the image could well be admired from any angles as well as from any visible distance.
Chinese followers revere the Buddha image as their "Sum Po Hud Kong", or the god protector of those who sail, since much sailing was done by the Chinese then, for trade or for migration.
Though an old temple, Wat Phananchoeng has never been deserted by its followers. In fact, continuous development has been made thorough time, as evidenced by the existing landscape and Thai architectural structures omated by the decorative art motifs attributed to different periods, side by side.
The interior and its facilities have constantly changed in adoption to time, to ease the process of worshipping and study.
It is also said that the beginnings of the temple is related to a love myth between a Thai Prince and a Chinese Princess of long ago.
In summary, Wat Phananchoeng is a important place of Buddhist. So in the important day or various festival such as Buddhist Lent, the end of Buddhist Lent, the day before the Buddhist Lent and ceremony of presenting yellow to the Buddhist at the end of the Buddhist Lent, would have many Buddhist make merit. Moreover, at the side of temple has a souvenir shop and snack shop too. And the snack is low-priced, I remember that day I bought several snack to my friends. I felt impress that go to there and If I have a chance, I will go there again.
