Religion has been a part of Thai society since ancient times. In the past, when people became ill, they were often taken to temples to seek help from monks. As a result, many monks were skilled in both traditional healing and sacred practices. Their reputations and stories of miraculous powers have continued to the present day. Out of respect and faith, their disciples built statues in their honor so that future generations could pay their respects. Here are some of the famous statues of revered Thai Buddhist monks that have been built by their disciples for the public to worship.
- Luang Pho Toh
The statue of Luang Pho Toh, also known as Somdet Phra Phutthachan (To Phrommarangsi), is located at Wat Bot in Sam Khok District, Pathum Thani Province. The statue of Somdet Phra Phutthachan Toh is 28 meters tall. It was built through the faith and support of people from all over the country. Today, many people visit to pay their respects.
- Luang Pho Khun Parisuttho
Luang Pho Khun Parisuttho, the former abbot of Wat Ban Rai, was affectionately known by his disciples as the “Sage of the Khorat Plateau.” He was one of Thailand’s most respected Buddhist monks and had many disciples. After his passing, his disciples and devotees joined together to build a statue in his honor. It is regarded as the largest statue of Luang Pho Khun in the world. The statue is located at Wat Ban Rai 2 (Wat Bu Phai). It has a lap width of 9 meters and a height of 18 meters. It was built as a memorial so that people in Nakhon Ratchasima and other devotees can come to pay their respects.
- Luang Pu Thuat
Luang Pu Thuat, also known as Somdet Chao Phakho, was a revered Buddhist monk famous for the miracle that earned him the title “Luang Pu Thuat Who Turned Seawater into Fresh Water.” This story has been passed down through generations and has become a well-known belief among Thai people. According to the legend, he placed his foot into the sea, causing the seawater in that area to become fresh water and saving the lives of sailors who were suffering from a shortage of drinking water. The statue of Luang Pu Thuat is 59 meters high with a lap width of 40 meters. It is located at Luang Pu Thuat Buddhist Park in Nakhon Ratchasima.
- Luang Pu Mun
Luang Pu Mun, also known as Phra Khru Vinayadhorn Mun Bhuridatto, was one of the most respected masters of the Thai Forest Tradition. He taught people how to practice Samatha and Vipassana meditation according to the teachings of the Buddha. As a result, many monks and laypeople became his disciples. His teachings are widely known as the “Teachings of the Thai Forest Tradition of Ajahn Mun.” He was also recognized by UNESCO for his contributions to peace. After his passing, his relics were believed to have transformed into sacred relics and were enshrined at various places throughout Thailand.
- Luang Pu Tim
Luang Pu Tim, also known as Phra Khru Phawanaphirat, was the former abbot of Wat Lahan Rai in Rayong. He was a well-known Buddhist monk who was deeply respected by the people of Rayong and his disciples. He was famous for his knowledge of Buddhist sacred practices and traditional mystical practices, and he was also known as a monk who strictly followed the teachings of Buddhism. The statue of Luang Pu Tim is located at Wat Lahan Rai. It has a lap width of 12 meters and a height of 29 meters. It was built by his disciples for devotees to pay their respects.
- Luang Pu Dul
Luang Pu Dul Atulo was a well-known Buddhist monk from Surin and one of the first disciples of Luang Pu Mun. He was known for his deep virtue and placed greater emphasis on meditation practice than on preaching. He always taught people to observe their own minds. Luang Pu Dul spent 19 years practicing tudong (wandering ascetic practice). At the same time, he devoted himself to supporting Buddhism and never gave up his own practice. He also showed kindness to everyone, regardless of their background or social status. After his passing, his sacred relics have been preserved at the Kammatthana Museum inside Wat Burapharam, Surin, for his disciples and devotees to pay their respects. His statue is located at Luang Pu Dul Atulo Park, Wat Pa Yothaprasit, Surin.
- Luang Pho Than Khlai
Luang Pu Khlai Wachasit, also known as Phra Khru Phisit Atthakan, was the former abbot of Wat Suan Khan, a well-known temple in Nakhon Si Thammarat. He was widely known as the “Guardian Saint of Nakhon Si Thammarat.” Today, his body is preserved in a glass coffin at Wat Phra That Noi. As his body has not decayed over time, many people continue to visit and pay their respects. A large statue of Luang Pu Khlai has also been built at Wat Phra That Noi in Nakhon Si Thammarat, where the public can come to worship.
Anyone who enjoys visiting sacred places can take the opportunity to pay their respects and pray for good fortune if they travel to these provinces. If you are interested in more articles, you can visit the ARM’S ARMOR website or follow, like, and support our ARM’S ARMOR Facebook page. We have many more interesting articles waiting for you.