Wat Phanan Choeng, A Sanctuary of Sino-Thai Spiritual Harmony
Wat Phanan Choeng, 3477, Ayutthaya, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, 13000, Thailand
4
Introduction
San Phra Kan Temple is a historic and highly revered Chinese Buddhist temple in Thailand. According to Thai records, the temple was established in 1324 and features a 14th-century stone sitting Buddha image and a 19th-century Buddha hall, making it a place of great historical significance. The temple is located by the river and has a white, spired pagoda in front that stands 15 meters tall. Inside the Buddha hall, there is one of Thailand's largest seated meditation Buddha images, measuring 19 meters in height and 14 meters in width, which was completed in 1352.
From an architectural standpoint, the temple showcases aesthetic beauty in its design, with elements of U Thong style, including the distinct facial features with double lips on the giant Buddha image. Additionally, there are three Buddha images in the ordination hall, with the U Thong Buddha image in the center and Sukhothai Buddha images on either side. The murals depict scenes from Buddhist cosmology, including heaven, earth, hell, and the legend of a celestial maiden.
The temple is popular for its historical significance and Chinese religious beliefs. It is believed to have been built in commemoration of Admiral Zheng He's visit to the capital of Ayutthaya in 1407. Furthermore, there is a small Chinese temple within the complex, dedicated to a princess from China, which attracts Thai-Chinese devotees who come to pay their respects.
The temple is continuously bustling with worshipers throughout the year, and in mid-October, it hosts a grand Buddhist ceremony that attracts both local residents and Chinese diaspora from various provinces. Along the road leading to the main hall, vendors sell items for merit-making rituals. San Phra Kan Temple is one of the main highlights in Ayutthaya, representing both a historical site and a place of reverence. Address Wat Phanan Choeng, 3477, Ayutthaya, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, 13000, Thailand
Transportation Transportation: Sanbao Gong Temple is located on the west bank of the Meinan River at the southeast end of Da Cheng Island. It takes about 15 minutes by mini-bus or tuk-tuk from the Da Cheng train station, costing about 30 baht per person.
There is a white pointed pagoda in front of the temple
