วัดพระลอย
Wat Phra-Loi
Wat Phra Loi
History
Village No. 2, Rua Yai Subdistrict, Mueang Suphanburi District Suphanburi Province
Wat Phra Loi is a public temple under the Mahanikaya sect of the Thai Sangha. It is located in Ruayai Subdistrict, Mueang Suphan Buri District, Suphan Buri Province, on a plot of land covering 40 rai. The exact history of the temple's construction is unknown. The temple once had a dilapidated ordination hall (Ubosot), which is believed to have been built during the reign of King U-Thong. The temple has since undergone restoration, with a new Ubosot built over the old one. Additionally, a new ordination hall has been constructed, housing the principal Buddha image, Phra Phuttha Ratchamongkhon. The pediment of the old Ubosot, made of wood, leans against the wall of the new Ubosot.
According to the Department of Religious Affairs, the temple was established in 1807 (B.E. 2350). It was formerly known as Wat Chalo. The temple is believed to have been founded after a white sandstone Buddha statue in the Naga Prok posture floated down the Tha Chin River. The villagers performed a ritual to enshrine the statue from the river. It is assumed that the statue dates back to the Lopburi period. There is also a legend that in the area where Wat Phra Loi now stands, there were originally two ancient temples: Wat Krajom Thong and Wat Mala. Over time, both temples were abandoned, leading to their merger into Wat Phra Loi.
The temple houses two Naga Prok Buddha statues. The lower one is a replica of the original, allowing villagers to apply gold leaf. The upper statue is the original Naga Prok Buddha, which has been enshrined in the temple's vihara (chapel) for a long time. Villagers come to pay homage and seek blessings, especially for trade and work-related matters. The Naga Prok statue is approximately 39 inches tall with a base width of about 19 inches. Its design is influenced by the Bayon style of Khmer art from around the 18th century BE. The statue is made of sandstone, featuring a square face, connected eyebrows shaped like a bird’s wings, long eyes, a prominent nose, and thick lips with a slight smile.
The temple also has structures depicting the realms of heaven and hell. In front of the temple, by the riverside, there is a fish sanctuary (Uthayan Matcha).
Topic 1: Wat Phra Loi
It is speculated that Wat Phra Loi dates back to the U-Thong Kingdom or the ancient cities of Phanthumburi and Song Phan Buri, which later evolved into Suphanburi. The location of these cities is believed to have been in the areas around Ruayai Subdistrict and Piharn Daeng Subdistrict. This assumption is based on the historical evidence, such as the old ordination hall (Ubosot), which is currently referred to as the "Vihara" by the Tha Chin River. This vihara houses an ancient Buddha statue, thought to have been enshrined since the temple's initial construction.
Topic 2: Wat Phra Loi
It was originally believed that this area had two temples: Wat Mala and Wat Krajom Thong. Later, a Buddha statue in the Naga Prok posture with 7 serpent heads, in a meditative position, 39 inches tall with a base width of 19 inches, floated down the river and came to rest in front of the ordination hall (Ubosot) of Wat Krajom Thong. At that time, it was presumed that the temple had been abandoned. When the villagers saw the Naga Prok Buddha statue floating to the front of the Ubosot, they felt great joy and gathered to respectfully enshrine the statue. It was then believed that the two temples were merged into one, called "Wat Chalo," meaning "the temple where the Buddha statue was brought ashore." Later, the name was changed to "Wat Phra Loi" (meaning "Temple of the Floating Buddha"), reflecting the event where the Buddha statue floated down the river.
Topic 3: Visiting Suphan Buri Province - A Must-See at "Wat Phra Loi"
Wat Phra Loi is considered one of the sacred places in Suphan Buri Province, and should be included in your itinerary when visiting. The visit typically starts as follows:
Point 1: Enter the vihara by the Tha Chin River to study the historical information from the U-Thong period and pay respects to the ancient principal Buddha image inside the vihara.
Point 2: Visit the vihara housing the Buddha image of Luang Pho Pang Kesadatu or Luang Pho Kesadatu.
Point 3: Visit the vihara housing the image of Rahu.
Point 4: Visit the vihara of Luang Pho Phra Loi, where the 7-headed Naga Prok Buddha image, which floated down the river, is enshrined. This image is carved from white sandstone in the Lopburi style and is believed to be nearly 1,000 years old. Locals believe in its sacred power, often praying for success in work, finances, and good fortune. The vihara also houses statues of Phra Sivali, Phra Buddha Sri Ariya Maitreya, and Luang Pu Thuat (known for turning seawater into fresh water).
Point 5: Visit the vihara housing the statue of Luang Pu Taem, also known as Phra Kru Praphat Thammaphorn, a revered monk and former abbot of Wat Phra Loi.
Point 6: The final point is entering the new ordination hall (Ubosot) to pay respects to the principal Buddha image, "Phra Phuttha Nawarachmongkol," and ask for blessings for a happy and safe life free from all dangers.
