**It wasn’t easy to pick two out of the many great temples in Chachoengsao, but we settled on one that reaches out into the Gulf of Thailand and another which may have the world’s largest Ganesh **
Published: 19/09/2010 at 12:00 AM
Newspaper section: Brunch
Chachoengsao_ known as Paed Rew by locals_ is known as a backwater province in the Central region of Thailand, and isn’t high on most foreign or Thai visitors’ lists. However, it offers a wide array of interesting temples that are just the thing for those looking to rejuvenate their inner spirits.
The province’s colourful history dates back to the beginnings of the Ayutthaya period (1350-1767). Much of the population resides along the Bang Pakong River and its tributaries, where there are a number of thriving fishing communities.
Through the centuries temples in Thailand have played a very significant role as religious, social and educational centres. This seems particularly true in Chachoengsao, and so it was a taxing process to sift through the many temples in the province to find two that really stand out.
We finally settled on Wat Hongthong [the Golden Swan Temple] in Song Klong, Bang Pakong district, and Wat Saman Rattanaram in Ampur Muang district.
We navigated our way along a maze of narrow dirt roads through verdant rice fields to reach Wat Hongthong, whose stupa stands majestically some 200 metres inside the Gulf of Thailand. While on a tour of the temple we were told that the original 21-rai complex was surrounded by mangrove forest and had been a Buddhist monastery.
Erosion steadily ate into the complex and in 1990 much of it was inundated. Renovations started in 1990, when Preecha Prachakorn took over as abbot, and included the offshore construction of the Pra Tat Kongka Maha Chedi. The stupa _ connected to the pier of the temple compound by a long concrete bridge decorated with Naga images _ is a popular destination for Buddhist pilgrims.
After the reconstruction was completed in 1999 the complex was rededicated as a temple and named Wat Hongthong. Artwork inside and outside the magnificent three-storey stupa depicts the life of Lord Buddha. Images of bodhisattvas in different incarnations are also displayed in a variety of postures. Housed on the third floor are the relics of Pra Arahant, a monk who is believed to have attained enlightenment. Behind the stupa a bridge leads to a pier that also serves as a prime spot to watch the sun set.
On the right hand side of the stupa is a beautiful chapel, the latest addition to Wat Hongthong. The chapel opened its doors to worshippers in 2007. Inside are displayed beautiful Buddhist murals.
Pilgrims visit the temple in search of good fortune and a serene place to meditate. Dormitories are available for both men and women. When we were there a significant number of women could be seen praying and meditating in different corners, and the women’s dorm was buzzing with activity. As it was close to dinner time, they were preparing a simple meal.
People from all walks of life come here to connect to the Buddha’s teachings in a tranquil and scenic setting and enjoy the company of their fellow pilgrims.
Also not to be missed while in the neighbourhood are the local seafood market and restaurant. You will find the local cuisine exquisite.
Our next stop was Wat Saman Rattanaram _ housed in a lush neighbourhood of the Bang Kaew municipality.
Legend has it that the temple was constructed more than 100 years ago to bring merit and fortune to a man named Saman Chinpracha. This community house of worship follows the Dhammayuttika Buddhist order, established by King Rama IV.
The highlight of Wat Saman Rattanaram is a reclining Ganesh image which is believed to be the biggest in the world. The image _ 16 metres high and 22 metres long _ was constructed on the banks of the Bang Pakong River and finished in early 2010. The base displays Ganesh in 32 postures. According to the Hindu faith, Ganesh is the deity of success and wisdom, taking a human form but with an elephant’s head and tusks.
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Considered the patron of arts and sciences, Ganesh is highly revered by artists and craftsmen in particular.
Many Buddhists also regard Ganesh as the god of success and new beginnings, and as equivalent to a bodhisattva (enlightened being). These beliefs bear testimony to the continuing Hindu influence in present-day Thailand and the harmonious co-existence between Hinduism and Buddhism.
For further details on Wat Hongthong, call 038-528-367. Information on Wat Saman Rattanaram can found at www.watsaman.com.
Bron: Bangkok Post