The point where Pasak River and Chao Phraya River were gathered at Wat
Phananchoeng
Wat Phananchoeng
Prior to the point where Pasak River and Chao Phraya River were gathered, we
could notice Wat Phanan Choeng on the east side of river. It was the temple
where seated the principle Buddha image called "Luang Phor Phanan Choeng"
or "Sam Pa Kong" called by Thais of Chinese origin. Wat Phananchoeng
situated on the river bank south of Ayutthaya; it is surrounded by attractive
grounds with bushes and hedges trimmed in contorted shapes. A massive golden
Buddha-image seems to peer down at the people as they enter. The image is
believed to have been created in 1324, twenty-six years before Ayutthaya was
founded. Later, during the Ayutthaya period, the temple building was put up
around it. The Buddha is highly revered since, according to legend, tears came
from its eyes the day Ayutthaya was sacked by the Burmese. The Chinese community
has taken care of this temple for some time and decorated the hall inside with
Chinese lanterns. One may walk around the Buddha and see the niches in the walls
and the details of the decorations.
Ayutthaya had become large community before the Capital was established.
The Bronze Buddha image at Wat Phananchoeng was built in U-Thong Style 26 years
before Ayutthaya became Capital
A Golden Buddha-image
View from Pasak River