Temples are considered among the most important places for Thai people, as they serve as spiritual anchors and centers of faith for Buddhists who revere the Buddha and the sacred beings enshrined within temples. At present, a growing number of people have become interested in and devoted to Lord Phaya Yommarat, believing in his spiritual power. It is believed that he grants success, prosperity, wealth, and smooth progress in financial and career matters to those who sincerely respect and have faith in him. As a result, many temples throughout Thailand have established images of Lord Phaya Yommarat within their grounds, allowing devotees to pay their respects and seek blessings.
ARM’S ARMOR has compiled a list of eight temples where devotees can pay respect to Lord Phaya Yommarat. For those who have faith in his sacred power, as well as those who enjoy visiting temples and sacred sites to pay respect to sacred beings and seek blessings, these are places not to be missed.
1.Wat Thiang Phimonmuk, Chachoengsao
The first place we would like to recommend is Wat Thiang Phimonmuk in Chachoengsao. The image of Lord Phaya Yommarat at this temple was created through the Tor Boon, Tor Sak Project, which supported the restoration and renovation of the temple’s old ordination hall that had deteriorated over time. As part of the project, a standing image of Lord Phaya Yommarat for worship, Phra Somdej Phaya Yommarat amulets in the Bestowing Wealth posture, and several editions of Lord Phaya Yommarat commemorative medals were created as sacred commemorative objects. Each type of sacred object underwent a number of consecration ceremonies conducted by renowned monk-scholars and accomplished spiritual masters. The ceremonies were led by Ajarn Luck Rachasi, one of Thailand’s most well-known astrologers. These commemorative sacred objects were created to provide devotees with an opportunity to visit the temple and pay respect to Lord Phaya Yommarat. Those with faith may also obtain and keep these Lord Phaya Yommarat sacred objects as auspicious items for personal devotion.
2. Wat Chai Sitthawas, Pathum Thani
The highlight of this temple is the Shrine of Chao Pu Phaya Yommarat (Yamaraj). Many people who come to pay their respects or make vows here believe that their wishes are fulfilled. The temple is located along the riverside and offers a peaceful and shaded atmosphere. Visitors can also pay respect to Thao Wessuwan (Vessavana), Luang Pho Chokdee, and pass beneath the Maha Utt Ordination Hall, which is believed to help ward off evil and misfortune.
3. Wat Muang, Ang Thong
Located in Wiset Chai Chan District, Ang Thong, Wat Muang features replicas of Heaven and Hell, designed to encourage visitors to reflect on their actions, be mindful of the consequences of wrongdoing, and strive to make merit and do good deeds. The temple also includes a depiction of the judgment of Phaya Yommarat. In addition, the temple enshrines Phra Buddha Maha Nawamin, the largest Buddha statue in the world, which is not to be missed.
4. Lord Phaya Yommarat of Bang Phra, Si Racha, Chonburi
At the King Rama IX Commemorative Public Park along Bang Phra Beach, there stands a large statue of Lord Phaya Yommarat, where the people of Bang Phra and devotees come to pay their respects for good auspiciousness. The statue has a commanding appearance, with a red face and body. In his right hand, he holds a noose, while in his left hand he carries a staff topped with a skull. In addition, the “Phaya Yommarat Procession into the Sea” is held every year during the Songkran Festival. It is regarded as a one-of-a-kind tradition and is believed to be unique in the world.
5. Wat Phai Rong Wua, Suphan Buri
Wat Phai Rong Wua in Song Phi Nong, Suphan Buri, features replicas of the realms of Heaven and Hell, similar to those found at Wat Muang. The temple covers a large area and is more than 100 years old. Among its many attractions are the Hell Realm, replica Pretas (hungry ghosts), a replica thorn tree, a giant copper cauldron, and the Hall of Lord Phaya Yommarat. Before returning to Bangkok, many visitors choose to pay respect to Lord Phaya Yommarat for a safe journey and as a source of auspiciousness in life.
6. Wat Thep Nimit, Nakhon Pathom
Located in Salaya, Nakhon Pathom, Wat Thep Nimit is a large and well-known temple that attracts many visitors who come to pay their respects. The temple is also home to several sacred figures where visitors may offer prayers and seek blessings according to their faith, including Guanyin, Thao Wessuwan (Vessavana), and Lord Phaya Yommarat (Yamaraj) .
7. Wat Bua Khwan, Nonthaburi
Wat Bua Khwan is another temple located not far from Bangkok. It is situated on Ngamwongwan 23 Road in Nonthaburi. In addition to paying respect to Lord Phaya Yommarat, visitors can also worship many other sacred beings and objects within the temple. Before heading home, be sure to visit the Chaturamukha Ubosot (The Cruciform Ordination Hall) to pay respect to the sacred objects enshrined there and receive blessings for auspiciousness in life.
8. Wat Phai Lueang, Nonthaburi
This temple is also easy to reach and is located not far from Bangkok. Visitors can travel to Wat Phai Lueang via the MRT Purple Line by getting off at Bang Phlu Station and then taking a short motorcycle taxi ride to the temple. There, visitors can pay respect to the golden image of Lord Phaya Yommarat, which is renowned for its sacredness. It is said that a person who obtained a Phaya Yommarat yantra cloth from this temple was involved in an accident but escaped unharmed. Therefore, anyone passing through Nonthaburi should stop by and pay their respects at least once for good fortune.
These 8 temples that enshrine Lord Phaya Yommarat are all conveniently accessible and are popular among those who have faith in his sacred power. For anyone wishing to pay respect and seek blessings, as well as those interested in spiritual and devotional practices, these are places not to be missed. In addition to admiring the impressive images of Lord Phaya Yommarat, devotees believe that paying respect to him brings auspiciousness and may help support success in career, financial matters, and longevity.