Somdej Toh 2521 Medal – Wat Khao Wong Phrachan

REGALIA BUDDHIST CULTURAL CENTRE 聚佛樓·SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2020·READING TIME: 2 MINUTES

This Somdej Phra Buddhachantoh Promarangsi amulet was made and consecrated by His Venerable Luang Pu Fa Phatachari of Wat Khao Wong Phrachan, Lopburi in year 2521. It depicts Ajahn Toh sitting on a three tier Chat Tat representing the Three Realms, the two ivory tusks representing protection and peace, and the Phat Yot representing the highest order of the Sangha. On the rear side of the amulet is a Chedi with radiance on top of Buddha’s footprint representing the light of Buddha’s footsteps. Overall, this amulet is for the purpose of protection and blessing from Ajahn Toh.

Not many foreigners have heard about Wat Khao Wong Phrachan because it was almost inaccessible to tourists three-to-four decades back because the temple is located 650 meters above sea level at the peak of the tallest mountain known to the locals as Khao Hanuman in Lopburi province. Not many tourists, both local and foreign, would hike their way up without some mental preparation. During those days, we have to trek and hike our way up the thickly forested mountain.

However, at present, the temple has been fully constructed with a large Buddha statue Phra Buddha Prang Chiang Saen in the middle of the mountain. The Buddha has a lap width 45 meters and height 75 meters. is It is the second largest Buddha image in Thailand after Luang Pho Yai, Wat Muang, Ang Thong province.

To make the temple more accessible to devotees and tourists, a 3790-steps stairway steeping 2165 feet up the mountain has been constructed. A further 180 steps stairway was also constructed to take visitors to the summit, i.e. approximately another 100 meters upwards where the statues of many Taoist Gods including Mae Kuan Yim and Phra Chao Khun Wu stand. Now the temple has became an attraction of Lopburi and is flooded by devotees and tourists.