The Magnificent Luang Pho Kaen Chan: A Unique Sandalwood Buddha Image
[Heading 2] The Origin of Luang Pho Kaen Chan
[Heading 3] The Mysterious Encounter in the Jungle
The story of Luang Pho Kaen Chan, a sandalwood Buddha image, begins with a man’s extraordinary encounter in the depths of the jungle. Legend has it that this man, while in search of wild items, stumbled upon a massive tiger. Fearing for his life, he swiftly climbed up a nearby tree and fervently prayed for his survival. In that moment of desperation, he made a solemn promise: if he managed to escape unharmed, he would use the wood from the very tree he clung to, to carve a Buddha image.
Remarkably, the man’s prayers were answered, and he safely returned home. True to his word, he gathered the villagers and ventured back into the jungle to find the tree. To their astonishment, they discovered that it was not an ordinary tree but a rare and valuable sandalwood tree. Without hesitation, they felled the tree and transported it to a skilled craftsman in Ban Kaeng Luang.
[Heading 3] The Birth of a Sacred Image
With the expertise of the craftsman, the sandalwood tree was meticulously transformed into a magnificent standing Buddha image. Measuring 2.26 meters from head to toe, Luang Pho Kaen Chan stood gracefully with its arms embracing an alms bowl. However, upon closer inspection, one would notice that this alms bowl was unlike any other.
Instead of the traditional shape, Luang Pho Kaen Chan’s alms bowl appeared to be nestled within a sack-like structure. Two cloth-like extensions extended from the rim of the bowl, as if the statue itself were holding the cloth to prevent the alms bowl from falling. This unique feature sets Luang Pho Kaen Chan apart from other Buddha images.
[Heading 2] The Miraculous Journey of Luang Pho Kaen Chan
[Heading 3] The Enigmatic Floating Statue
The journey of Luang Pho Kaen Chan took an unexpected turn when it mysteriously floated down the Mae Klong River. Local accounts suggest that during the eleventh and twelfth lunar months, when heavy rain caused flooding, the statue was washed away from its original location in Ban Kaeng Luang. As it floated past riverfront temples, the local populace attempted to retrieve it, but their efforts were in vain.
Despite their best attempts, none of the temples managed to rescue the statue from the powerful current. However, when it reached the part of the river that passed Wat Mai Chong Lom, something miraculous happened. Instead of being swept away like before, Luang Pho Kaen Chan floated back and forth in defiance of the fast-flowing waters.
The abbot of Wat Mai Chong Lom recognized this as a divine intervention and urged monks and locals to pay their respects and seek permission to retrieve the statue from the water. With unwavering faith, they ventured to the river and successfully lifted the statue from its watery abode. A grand celebration ensued to commemorate this miraculous event.
[Heading 3] The Evolution of the Fluvial Procession
Traditionally, on the fourteenth waxing moon day of the twelfth lunar month, a fluvial procession was held to honor Luang Pho Kaen Chan. In this procession, the statue was placed on a beautifully decorated boat and paraded along the river. However, as times changed, so did the means of transportation.
In the present day, a car has replaced the boat, and the fluvial procession has transformed into a lively event held on the first day of the Songkran festival. The Buddha image is placed in the back of a beautifully adorned pickup truck, while monks sit behind, sprinkling holy water on the faithful. The procession is accompanied by people dancing and blowing horns, creating a vibrant spectacle that showcases the devotion and reverence for Luang Pho Kaen Chan.
[Heading 3] The Temporal Residence for Devotees
After the procession concludes, Luang Pho Kaen Chan is temporarily hosted for six days in front of the Service Company of the Engineer Department Royal Thai Army. This period allows devotees to visit and pay homage to the sacred Buddha image. The opportunity to be in the presence of Luang Pho Kaen Chan is considered a great privilege, and people from all walks of life seize this moment to offer their prayers and seek blessings.
[Heading 2] The Enduring Legacy of Luang Pho Kaen Chan
[Heading 3] The Visionary Carpenter-turned-Monk
Luang Pu Chan, the former abbot of Wat Mai Chong Lom, played a crucial role in the preservation and expansion of Luang Pho Kaen Chan’s legacy. In addition to his monastic duties, Luang Pu Chan was an accomplished carpenter. Recognizing the need for shelter for the Buddha images found in front of the Phra Prang of Wat Mahathat in Ratchaburi, he constructed four wooden pavilions to protect them.
During this process, Luang Pu Chan stumbled upon several Buddha image heads scattered throughout the temple’s cloister. Among them, he discovered a bronze Buddha image fragment that captivated his attention. Inspired by its beauty, he brought it back to Wat Mai Chong Lom.
[Heading 3] The Transformation into a Complete Buddha Image
Driven by his vision, Luang Pu Chan used sandalwood to craft the body, arms, and alms bowl of the statue, completing the magnificent standing Buddha image we know as Luang Pho Kaen Chan. Initially, the statue was housed in the temple’s old Wihan. However, during the tenth and eleventh lunar months when flooding occurred, the Wihan succumbed to the rising waters.
In a dream, Luang Pu Poh, the fourth abbot of the temple, received a message from the statue itself, expressing discomfort in its feet. Responding to this divine message, Luang Pu Poh inspected the Buddha image and discovered that its feet had been ravaged by termites. Determined to restore it, he diligently renovated, lacquered, and gilded Luang Pho Kaen Chan.
With renewed radiance, the statue found its new abode in the temple’s main hall. From that moment onwards, visitors were granted the opportunity to participate in the gilding process, further enhancing the beauty and sanctity of Luang Pho Kaen Chan.
[Heading 3] The Majestic Wihan of Luang Pho Kaen Chan
To provide a permanent residence befitting the stature of Luang Pho Kaen Chan, a grand Wihan with four gable ends was constructed. This architectural masterpiece was commissioned by Phra Thepyanamuni, the former abbot of Wat Mai Chonglom and consultant of Ratchaburi’s provincial abbot. The foundation stone laying ceremony was graced by the presence of Somdet Phra Thirayanmuni of Wat Chakkrawat Racha Wat.
On September 30, 1981, Phra Buddha Khosachan of Wat Sam Phraya presided over the lifting of the Chofah. Finally, on January 24, 1982, Luang Pho Kaen Chan was reverently moved from the main hall to its magnificent new abode. The auspicious occasion was marked by a grand celebration, symbolizing the enduring legacy and reverence for Luang Pho Kaen Chan.
[Heading 2] A Sacred Sanctuary for All
The temple that houses Luang Pho Kaen Chan, Wat Mai Chong Lom, is open to the public every day from 7:00 to 17:00. This sacred sanctuary welcomes visitors from near and far, offering a serene environment for contemplation, prayer, and spiritual solace.
As one enters the temple grounds, a sense of tranquility envelopes the surroundings. The gentle whispers of prayer, the fragrance of incense, and the awe-inspiring presence of Luang Pho Kaen Chan create an atmosphere of profound reverence and devotion. Whether one seeks solace, enlightenment, or simply a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of thailand, Wat Mai Chong Lom and the magnificent Luang Pho Kaen Chan offer a spiritual haven for all who enter its gates.
In conclusion, Luang Pho Kaen Chan stands as a testament to the rich religious and cultural heritage of Thailand. Its unique origin, miraculous journey, and enduring legacy have captivated the hearts and minds of devotees for generations. As a symbol of faith, resilience, and divine intervention, this sandalwood Buddha image continues to inspire and bring solace to all who encounter its radiant presence.
Address And Location:
Na Mueang Mueang Ratchaburi Ratchaburi 70000