Last week was the monthly outing at the International Buddhist College when the students get to let down their hair down (if they’re not already shaved), and we went to the Provincial capital Songkhla for a day out.
The first place we went to was Wat Phranon Laem Pho, which I had seen before, as it is the roadside site of a very large reclining Buddha statue. This was the first time I had been inside the temple though.
From the road the statue, although large, looks like it is going to be one of those gaudy affairs that is not worthwhile seeing, but when we got into the temple, it actually turned out to be quite refined.
It also has a beautiful setting being on the southern side on Ko Yo island, and it is therefore on the lakeside, or rather on the side of the inlet, as the island is situated where the ocean comes inland.
Besides the reclining Buddha, there are a number of other golden Buddha statues, including one walking and another in the calling earth to witness posture.
Other features of the temple include statues of Brahma, Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, and Kuan Yin Bodhisattva, as well as gold-leaf plastered statues of reputed local Ajahns in a special pavilion alongside the reclining Buddha.
We were not there long, and I think there must be other worthwhile places in the temple if it was possible to get access, like the Ubosot. I couldn’t find any information about the temple to add to the album this time.
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After visiting the temple we also went to the Katichon Wittiya Folk Museum on the northern side of the island. This turned out to be an unexpectedly good museum, with hundreds of exhibits that are well arranged in separate and dedicated buildings.
Unfortunately, as seems to be the norm these days, there was a big sign saying No Photos Allowed. It is really impossible to fathom why there is a prohibition on photography in the museums, and I can’t think it helps anybody that it continues, but if you are anywhere in the area, the Museum is still worth a look.
Reclining Buddha Statue
Reclining Buddha Angle Shot
Reclining Buddha Siripada
Sitting Buddha