Pathum thani: Devotees flocked to pay homage to Luang Pu Sila Sirichanto, the presiding monk at the Buddha consecration ceremony for the special edition of Phra Buddha Maha Chakkraphat at Wat Bot (Luang Pu Thian) in Pathum Thani Province. The ceremony also featured other renowned monks, including Luang Pho Suriyan, Luang Pho Chamnan, Phra Ajarn Udon, and Phra Ajarn Thianchai.
According to Thai News Agency, Phra Ratcha Maha Chetiyaphiban (Torsak Suntharawat), assistant abbot of Wat Arun Ratchawararam and acting abbot of Wat Bot, spearheaded the initiative to create a special edition of Phra Phuttha Maha Chakraphat. This effort allows the public to worship for good fortune as part of the 2nd Kathin ceremony, which includes 100,000 hosts. Participants viewed the renting of Phra Phuttha Maha Chakraphat as a key aspect of making merit by contributing to the construction of a large Buddha statue in the heart of the city, located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River in front of Wat Bot (Luang Pu Thian). The ceremony, held on Saturday, July 19, also includes co-hosting responsibilities for the 100,000 Kathin ceremony. Hosts can reserve the Kathin through the Wat Bot (Luang Pu Thian) page and receive a Phra Buddha Maha Chakraphat souvenir, available in ivory or sapphire, adorned with a beautiful nine-headed Naga.
Phra Ratcha Maha Chetiyaphiban emphasized that the construction of the large Phra Phuttha Maha Chakkraphat statue, measuring 28 meters wide and 40.72 meters high, will take place on a 3-storey meditation building. This reinforced concrete building will serve as a venue for students and the public to practice meditation, conduct activities, and engage in religious merit-making. The initiative provides an opportunity to collectively build the large Buddha statue as a Buddhist offering and in honor of His Majesty the King. It is anticipated to become a new landmark for Buddhist tourism in Pathum Thani and is expected to be completed by 2572.
The project, aimed at extending the merit of Kathin to 1,000,000 hosts for the 2nd year, aligns with the grand endeavor of constructing a significant Buddha statue in the city's center to support Buddhism. The statue is intended to remain a national treasure for generations to come.