The Land of Smiles - Thailand is a perfect destination for so many purposes. Food, culture, beach, parties, music, art & yes.........temples. Given the significant role that Buddhism plays in its culture, travelers can easily find one at every corner. There is an estimate of close to 40 thousand temples in Thailand.
Luang Phor Khun Parisuttho
One of the most famous temples in Thailand is situated at the Nakhon Ratchasima province (Korat). It is the residence of the revered abbot Luang Phor Khun Parisuttho who was born on the 4 October 1923 (BE 2466) & attained nirvana on the 12 May 2015 (BE 2558) at the age of 91.
Statues of 7-headed Nagas
Wat Ban Rai was originally only a small monastery but the noble monk Luang Phor Khun who is widely respected by Buddhists world-wide developed it into one of the most majestic temples one can ever imagine. The temple which is the size of about 20 football fields is made up of different compounds & shrines.
Entrance of the Elephant Shrine
The various shrines are tastefully designed with some architecture boasting elongated glistening gold roofs & elaborate Buddha statues. The museum promises merging & forever changing basic elements of Thai design & creativity from the sophisticated inspiration of modernity. The iconic shrine in the shape of an elephant is covered with more than 20 million pieces of mosaic, making it Asia's largest ceramic mosaic shrine.
Paintings & Art Pieces
Inside the shrine is a spiral staircase decorated with surrealist paintings of Heavenly Beings, Buddhas, Humans & an artistic sleek art gallery. As you climb higher, you can almost feel enveloped by the tranquility of Buddha's teachings.
Amulet Display at the Museum
The museum situated at another compound exhibits the life & story of Luang Phor Khun. It displays a collection of holy artifacts about the journey & amulets made by this holy abbot. Some of these sacred amulets are extremely rare & can cost more than 300 thousand Thai Baht a piece.
Top: Luang Por Thong Suttasilo
Bottom L - R: เป๋าตุง โต๊ะพระ/ Jangs Fu (amulet dealer), Me, Nopanan Chanponrapat (driver)
A visit to Wat Ban Rai will not be complete without the blessings from current abbot Luang Por Thong who is the close disciple of the late Luang Phor Koon. People believe that his blessings can keep you safe from harm & of course enhance your luck & fortune.
Should you be interested in amulets from Wat Ban Rai, you can contact เป๋าตุง โต๊ะพระ/ Jangs Fu
For transportation to Wat Ban Rai, you can contact Nopanan Chanponrapat
Wat Ban Rai Address
Wat Ban Rai Facebook