The Wat Panancherng was built in 1324 and was connected with one of the ancient civilizations of Siam. According to historical records around 200 refugees were housed in the premises and they belonged to the Song Dynasty, China. The most impressive artifact in the temple is the 19 meters tall Buddha statue named Luang Pho Tho. The golden statue was revered by mariners; they would come up to the temple and offer their prayers and take the blessings of Buddha along on their arduous journey. The statue has undergone several restorations as it was harmed during the Burmese invasion of Thailand. In 1767 the temple was attacked by Burmese invaders and the historical accounts recount that the statue shed tears when the monastery was sieged by the Burmese.
The historical legend about the monastery relates that the temple was built by King Phra Chao Sai. King Sai had insisted that Chinese emperor send a daughter to be his wife. Answering to this request the emperor sent his daughter to Thailand and once she arrived in Ayuththaya King Sai was not present to greet her. She was deeply moved by his absence and was heartbroken. As a result she held her breath and killed herself. When the King learned about the events that took place, he decided to build a temple near her cremation site. The temple was called Wat Panancherng, a temple that was meant to make up for the negligent behavior of King Sai.
The Buddha statue that was constructed at the temple is the ‘sitting Buddha’. It was built from mortar and brink and embellished with Stucco. Luang Pho Tho which is the name the statue is referred means Great Reverend Father in Thai. A large community of Thai-Chinese has settled in the areas surrounding the monastery. For centuries the temple has been visited by Buddhist devotees and followers of Buddha. It is now a popular tourist destination that attracts a number of foreign nationals. Visitors who want to explore this site can search for a Bangkok cruise tour that covers the Ayutthaya city. Bangkok cruises generally offer trips to this city because the Buddha statue is one of the most popular sights in Asia. For great deals on packages and a comprehensive tour, check out Anantara Cruises Thailand.
Jayani Senanayake is a writer who dabbles in travel and all things exotic. Under the pseudonym of Caliope Sage, she writes of the allures that must simply be discovered.