Pra Pathom Chedi Temple or The first pagoda temple
located in Nakhon Pathom where is nearby Bangkok. This
province is the origin of Bhuddhism in Thailand. Pra pathom
Chedi temple is at lat: 13 0 49’ 17.4” long: 100 0 3’ 35.8”
Flash forward to B.E. 236, King Asoka the great of India
who had devoted his faith to Buddha sent the great monks to
expand Buddhism. One of those nine ways was
Suwannabhumi where now knew by seven countries called
Thailand, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, and
Malaysia was enlightened by two monks named Pra Sona and
Pra Uttara.
This place was believed as heart of Suwannabhumi then
they build the highest and biggest pagoda which contained the
pieces of Buddha’s bone here underneath the pagoda. The
pagoda stood in the center of Nakhon Pathom province that
could imply as the center of Buddhist where their hearts and
faiths belong too.
At the North gate, you would see the tall Buddha statue
which is a sacred statue of Buddha named Pra Rauang
Rojacnarit. Therefore, many people come here to pray, make
merit and also make a wish. On your left, you would donate for
some tile and write your name or family name on it then you
make a wish. In addition, you would donate some money and
get a golden bell or a golden heart-shaped leaf, sacred fig leaf,
then you tie it on the rack and seize the release moment when
the wind blows the leaves and ring the bells. On your right, you
would wonder why they put some oil into the lamp. That is
another way to enlighten your life or your education future as
bright as you pour the oil down and see how it’s luminous.
This place is very important for King Rama VI because his
bones and arch were here as well as his wife’s and his daughter’s were safely kept at the back of Pra Ruang Rojanarit.
Moreover, his beloved dog, Yah Leh, was buried in this temple.
Pra Pathom Chedi Temple opens daily at 07:00 am – 20:00.
all year round with free of charge.
The best time to visit is in October to November due to the
Pathom Chedi Festival which you could see Buddhist way of
life and enjoy shopping at local stalls around the temple. The
most famous thing in Nakhon Pathom is Pomelo so do not forget to take some back to home.
