Visiting Wat Mung Muang ~ Lanna Temple in Chiang Rai - Thailand.

Early mornings in Chiang Rai’s temple haven are especially magical for those who love visiting sacred places. The interplay of soft light, vibrant colors, and quiet human activity creates endless opportunities for capturing stunning images. Focus on the details of fresh produce, the rich textures of spices, and the candid moments of daily life that unfold naturally around you. We began our day with a visit to Wat Mung Muang, a quiet and beautiful temple tucked within Chiang Rai. ***This temple is often confused with 'Wat Ming Muang' which is a few minutes walk away.

Here is the sacred temple Wat Mung Muang, located right beside the city's Kad Luang market - authentic local atmosphere market. Wat Mung Muang is another in a series of important and ancient temples of Chiang Rai. It is believed that it appeared before the formation of the city in 1262, founded by King Mengrai the Great. Residents hold that the temple safeguards the city, a belief reinforced by an astonishing event. During the Second World War, eight bombs landed on the temple grounds, but not a single one detonated, leaving the temple completely intact. For the local community, this event wasn’t simply a lucky escape, it was taken as a clear sign of divine protection, a miracle that reaffirmed the temple’s sacred status and deepened the spiritual bond between the people and the place.

Photo taken at front side of Ubosot Wat Mung Muang. The Ubosot is built in a contemporary Lanna style. It has a high-rise form similar to temple buildings found in the central region of Thailand. The decorations feature lacquered and gilded carved wood in traditional Lanna craftsmanship. Though we may never know the names of those who physically constructed it, the act of building a temple during that time was deeply spiritual and communal. It functioned not only as a place of worship, but also as a center for education, healing, and the safeguarding of Buddhist teachings in the region.

Ubosot pavilion with venerated Phra Sivali statue at front, 3-headed Phayanak Naga at stairway and Lantern hang at front entrance. Wat Mung Muang exudes a peaceful and marvellous atmosphere. Renovations have been carried out periodically, often with support from the monarchy and driven by local communities who regard the temple as a vital spiritual heart.

Entrance of Ubosot Wat Mung Muang and main statue of Golden Phra Buddha venerated inside, surrounding with sacred mantra on the walls and ceilings.

Selfie inside the Ubosot of Wat Mung Muang. The main altar features a Lanna-influenced style with ornate decorations, The main Phra Chao Song Sri, is the most sacred and worshiped by Chiang Rai people. It is the ancient Phra Buddha image and as age is 600 years old. It is designed in Lanna style and made from bronze materials.

Unique with all sacred mantras on the wall and ceiling Ubosot Wat Mung Muang.

Among the many depictions of the statue found at Wat Mung Muang, one of the most beloved is that of Phra SangKaChai statue venerated in the center area of Wat Mung Muang. His image pays homage to Theravada Buddhism’s Mon influences, a culture that dominated northern Thailand before the rise of Lanna in the 12th century. The presence of Phra SangKaChai here reflects the temple's layered spiritual heritage, encompassing multiple Buddhist traditions over the centuries.

Bell Tower of Wat Mung Muang.

The sacred Golden Chedi of Wat Mung Muang with Phra Buddha image at center, decorated with Phayanak Naga and mythical Kochasri image for base.

Wat Mung Muang temple building with Shrine venerated Mercy Guan Yin statue and Phra Leela Walking Buddha statue at front.

The landmark of Chiang Rai Clock Tower (Hoh Nalika Chalerm Prakiat) is a golden, ornate landmark designed by artist Chalermchai Kositpipat (White Temple designer) at a city-center roundabout and near by walking to Wat Mung Muang.

Wat Mung Muang is located right beside the Kad Luang Market.

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Visiting Chao Por Lak Muang Khon Kaen ~ City Pillar Shrine - Khon Kaen - Thailand.

Khon Kaen city is the capital of Khon Kaen province and the fourth-largest city in Thailand. It is one of the four major cities of Isan, located in Northeast Thailand, also known as the "big four of Isan". In the center of Khon Kaen also has a city shrine 'Chao Por Lak Muang'. It is a religious site featuring a sacred city pillar, beautiful gardens, and statues, and is known to be especially beautiful and peaceful when illuminated at night. 

The night view of Chao Por Lak Muang and garden located at Sala Suk Jai, Thepharak Road, in front of Khon Kaen Municipal Office.

According to history: Chao Khun Pu - Ratchasarn Thammuni and Luang Thuraipinit, former Governor of Khon Kaen initiated by bringing the main stone inscriptions from ancient sites in Chum Phae District to perform the ceremony according to the Buddhist guidelines, making it a city landmark on August 20, 1956. It is considered a sacred place for Khon Kaen people.

The shrine’s main structure is a pavilion styled with 4 tympana and sculpted stucco over 4 entrances. The Shrine look stunning and is a popular place to visit at night because of this attractive lighting.

Chao Por Lak Muang, which is Khon Kaen’s city pillar shrine, is considered to be one of Thailand’s most impressive city pillar shrines. The shrine itself is located within a substantial and ornate building with a multi-tiered roof topped with a spire with a gold umbrella ornament at the pinnacle. At either side of the entrance to the shrine are large blue Chinese style guardian lions indicating the strong Chinese influence on Khon Kaen. To the rear of the shrine is small park with well maintained lawn, ornamental trees and sculpted bushes. At night the whole area is lit up with the shrine and the surrounding trees and shrubs covered in coloured lights. 

Inside the pavilion is the city pillar in the shape of a sema sculpted from a sandstone block from the Dvaravati period. The pillar shows traces of gilt lacquer work in Thai patterns, assumed to be done after the pillar had been enshrined, although worshippers are no longer allowed to gild the actual city pillar but the replacement model on the outside. However, the pillar is tied with several pieces of decorative cloth and surrounded by various worshipping objects laid above its stucco base decorated with lotus-shaped sculptures.

The sacred of City Pillar (Lak Muang) of Khon Kaen is a standing approximately 3-meter tall, octagonal sandstone pillar with a lotus base, the structure block from the Dvaravati period.

There are worshipers to pay homage and seek blessings. Chao Por Lak Muang Khon Kaen, the City Pillar Shrine is a sacred place of Khon Kaen Province which is highly respected by the locals.

This shrine hosts two impressive Siho finials with blue and gold finish as guards in front of the main entrance of the City Pillar Shrine - Chao Por Lak Muang. Siho’ or ‘Thow Si Ho’ in Synshai which is  Buddhist literature, the son of Phraya Kusaraj, the governor of Peng Chang City and his wife, Chantha. He was born with two younger brothers, Synshai and Hoi-Sang. Synshai, ‘Siha-cakkra-raja’ is a name set by Indra. Siho looks like a lion with elegant shape and its main features are: purely clean animal and elephant shape with an elephant head, a lion body and a horse tail. This leads to the interpretation that the ‘trunk’ is the organ for food and drink. It's like having a far vision in development, bringing prosperity to Khon Kaen City. ‘Ivory’ is a symbol of worthiness, like Khon Kaen, which is a beautiful city with precious traditions, religions and culture to be promoted. ‘A large ear’ represents Khon Kaen Municipality administrators that must listen to and heal the suffering of the Khon Kaen people. The ‘head’, in the ancient time, it was believed that elephants must have a large head as a knowledge center (brain stores), refers to the good, effective and various educations that have been developed in Khon Kaen. The ‘feet’ are clawed, clinging to the ground and standing pompously; it is like Khon Kaen people that have a strong base of life and ‘a tail’ to fend off insects, like the Khon Kaen people will be protected and will be so happy infinity.

The Chinese Dragon Pillar and Pagoda.

The outside area of the City Pillar Shrine is adorned with deity symbols from various cultures. Examples of deity symbols from Chinese culture include Chinese dragon pillars with three dragons: the golden dragon representing heaven, the red dragon representing good people and the green dragon representing the earth. There is also the symbol of heaven lantern which represents the Jade Emperor.

Offering statue of Roosters, Elephants and Zebras.

Statue of Elephants and Tiger.

The pillar shows traces of gilt lacquer work in Thai patterns, assumed to be done after the pillar had been enshrined, although worshippers are no longer allowed to gild the actual city pillar but the replacement model on the outside. Above photo is the replacement model for worshipper to gild gold foil and put on garland flower.

In addition, on the outside area of Khon Kaen City Pillar Shrine, there are also symbols of contemporary Hindu deities which are widely worshipped. The symbols are in the forms of small shrines dedicated to house Brahma and Rahu, two deities widely worshipped in modern Thailand. Apart from deities from various other cultures, there are also deity symbols from the local culture found on the outside area of Khon Kaen City Pillar Shrine, including a deity spirit house, an ancestral spirits’ house, and a Dharani Shrine.

The Shrine of Mother Earth - Phra Mae Thorani.

Photo taken in front of the Shrine Phra Mae Thorani.
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Visiting Wat Ban Phaen ~ Pavilion LP Poon (ThongPoon) Thitasilo - Ayutthaya - Thailand (Part 2/2).

In Ayutthaya province, people would often hear about “Ruay Perm Poon”. Actually “Ruay Perm Poon” refers to the 3 guru monks of Ayutthaya Province which is Luang Phor Ruay Wat Tako, Luang Phor Perm Wat PomGaew and Luang Phor Poon Wat Ban Phaen. Many devotees in Ayutthaya Province would respect the 3 guru monks very much. Today we pay homage to the Phra Buddha and make merit for the body of LP Poon (ThongPoon) of Wat Ban Phaen with title name of Phra Mongkol Wutthachan. The remain body of LP Poon Thitasilo was enshrined inside the monk reception hall, Pavilion LP Poon (ThongPoon). Inside the pavilion, the most sacred is the Big Takrut Dok MaiThong 'Kru' enshrined together with LP Poon's body. In part 2/2, we sharing more photos for this Pavilion LP Poon.

Phra Mongkol Wutthachan or LP Poon Thitasilo, his original name was Thongpoon Sanyasophi. He was born on Wednesday, November 16, 1932, corresponding to the 4th waning moon of the 12th lunar month, Year of the Monkey, at Ban Sam Ko, Village No. 1, Sam Ko Subdistrict, Sena District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province. He was the son of Mr. Ban and Mrs. Somboon Sanyasophi.

Photo taken inside the pavilion LP Poon (ThongPoon). This altar with venerated Bronze statue of LP Poon (ThongPoon), Wax statue and undecay body of LP Poon (ThongPoon).

LP Poon (ThongPoon) Thitasilo, 7th abbot of Wat Ban Phaen, located in Ayutthaya province. He was born on 16th November BE2475. As a child, LP Poon lived a life like any other child in his neighborhood. He studied at the fourth grade at Srirattananukul School, or Wat Ban Phaen School, "Srirattananukul" and graduated in BE2488. After that, he helped his parents with various occupations and was a diligent and patient person. But because of his desire to learn and study, he followed Luang Pu KhamPan, a monk who had wandered from Lamphun Province. Going up to the northern region, at that time LP Poon was only 14 years old. He followed Luang Pu KhamPan for 1 year. During that time he had the opportunity to study astrology. Until the appropriate time, he returned to his hometown. At that time, LP Poon was only 15 years old. But his knowledge and ability in astrology that he had studied was accurate and second to none. Due to the merit of LP Poon who was going to follow the path of Dhamma, he was invited by Luang Pho Wasan, who was the abbot of Wat Ban Phaen at that time and ordained as a novice at the age of 17 and by the time he reached the age of 20, he then ordained as a monk on 31st May BE2495. LP Poon’s Buddhist name was Phra Kru Suwannsilanukoon but popularly known as Luang Phor Thong Poon or Luang Phor Poon. He has studied Wicha with many guru monks such as LP Sanan Wat SaoTong Thong, Luang Phor Sawat, Luang Phor Mee - Wat Manwichai and Luang Phor VikBoon Wat KraTongThong. On top of that, LP Poon also learned how to make holy water from Luang Phor Pring. In addition, LP Poon also received the teaching of Luang Phor Sanan Wat SaoTong Thong on how to consecrate Takrut Dot MaiThong. In fact, nowadays Luang Phor Poon is also very well-known for his amulets. Luang Phor Poon had already passed on in the year BE2562.

Close view of the undecay body of LP Poon (ThongPoon). His body has not decayed or rotten (disintegrated) since he passed away. Every year 15th Nov, there is an invitation to bring the body down to clean and change the robes by his disciples.

The main altar inside the monk reception hall building, pavilion LP Poon (ThongPoon).

The front side is the 2 pieces of Piphat instrument. Students of Ban Phaen School will play these Piphat music for all ceremonial and ritualistic occasions.

Here display all requisite, alms bowl, robes and Holy Buchas statue by LP Poon (ThongPoon).

Take a tour of the sacred object amulets & statues, utensils, and belongings of LP Poon during his life, from his youth until his death. Disciples have collected sacred objects and items related to LP Poon, believing that these items will hold increasing sentimental value over time. They have collected and displayed them at the pavilion enshrining LP Poon's remains.

All the fan of honor 'Patyot Fan' of LP Poon (ThongPoon). This Patyot fan which is a ceremonial object awarded to LP Poon (ThongPoon) as part of an ecclesiastical title, called a sammasak.

This is the most special Takrut Dok MaiThong 'Kru', created and wrote and blessed by LP Poon (ThongPoon) himself. Come and bow and pay homage and pray for Takrut Dok MaiThong 'Kru'. This big Takrut Dok MaiThong 'Kru' is endowed 5 great ability other than protection; Maha Saney (ability to attract opposite sex), Maha Metta (ability of great loving kindness), Maha Niyom (ability of great popularity influence), Klaew Kard (ability to avoid dangers or misfortunes) and Ka Khai (ability to enhance business and selling).

Biography of LP Poon (ThongPoon). He served as the precept reciter at Wat Ban Phaen in BE2499, became the deputy abbot in BE2513, and assumed the chief abbot in BE2527. He rebuilt the monks' quarters, temples, and other facilities. He managed 37 temples in Sena district, Ayutthaya province, and promoted Buddhist education and charitable work. In year BE2559, he was conferred the title "พระมงคลวุฒาจารย์" (Phra Mongkol Wutthachan) and was highly revered by the royal family and the public, with followers throughout Thailand and overseas.
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See amulets from LP Poon Thitasilo of Wat Ban Phaen in my blog:

👉 https://thaiamulets-dhammapath.blogspot.com/search/label/Wat%20Ban%20Phaen?m=0

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See more other Thai amulets at:

👉 http://www.thaiamulets-dhammapath.blogspot.com/?m=0