“Temple of the Riverbank Buddha Image”. Do you know what that means here at Wat Bang Phreak Tai? It hints at a captivating story. Wat Bang Phreak Tai has a history linked to a revered Buddha image.
Let’s journey back to just before the second fall of Ayutthaya. The late 18th century saw the rise of this significant monastery. Imagine a small ordination chapel. It stands as a reminder of Wat Bang Phreak Tai’s origins.
Inside this chapel reside two Buddha images. They are Luang Pho Sit Chaiyamongkon and Luang Pho Kai Sitmongkhon. Legend says these images were being transported downriver from Ayutthaya. The goal was to protect them from Burmese troops. The boat carrying them capsized. Later pulled from the river, they were kept in the monastery. This monastery became known as Wat Bang Phreak Tai.
The murals inside the original ordination hall show craftsmanship. They represent the reigns of Kings Rama III and Rama IV. Wat Bang Phreak Tai is more than just old walls. It’s a canvas telling tales of devotion and artistry.
Let’s talk about Phra Udom Prachanart. He was also known as Luang Phor Pern. He was a former abbot of Wat Bang Phreak Tai. Luang Phor Pern was famous. People knew him as a meditation monk. He was known for his incantations. He mastered protective sak yant or sacred Thai tattoos.
Luang Phor Pern’s journey began here at Wat Bang Phreak Tai. At 25, he ordained as a monk. He studied with Abbot Luang Pu Him Inthasoto. Luang Pu Him was an accomplished sak yant master. Luang Phor Pern never had tattoos himself. Yet, he embraced the sacred art. He continued the tradition after Luang Pu Him’s death.
Luang Phor Pern wandered into the forests of Kanchanaburi Province in 1953. This remote area was near the Myanmar-Thailand border. Villagers there faced a tiger problem. Tigers mauled or killed locals. Luang Phor Pern offered katha and sak yant for protection. He taught them tiger yantras could fend off attacks. From then on, no one under his protection was attacked. This earned him a reputation. He was a master of incantations and tattoos.
Returning to Wat Bang Phreak Tai, he became abbot. He used temple donations to build a bridge. This helped farmers bring crops to market. He also constructed the local public hospital. Today, it bears his name. Thousands traveled to Wat Bang Phreak Tai for his blessings. Many received sak yant from him and trained monks. By his death in 2002, he was a beloved figure. Images of him often show him meditating on a tiger. This links back to the border tiger legend.
Wat Bang Phreak Tai is also known for daily tattoos or Sak Yants. Monks give these. The Wai Khru festival is held annually in March. Disciples gather to honor Luang Pho Poen’s spirit. The festival re-empowers tattoos. Sak Yant masters bless and renew tattoos.
To receive a tattoo outside the festival, arrive around 8:00 AM. Buy flowers and incense. This offering supports Wat Bang Phreak Tai. Remove your shoes. Sit in line. Tattoos are done in groups. The monk blesses each batch of offerings.
Inside Wat Bang Phreak Tai, a large banner displays available tattoos. Unless a specific choice is made, the monk starts with a simple tattoo. The monk uses a long thin needle. He may sharpen it. He selects a rubber template. He applies the template to the skin. He traces the pattern. He blesses the tattoo and blows a sacred Kata. For men, he uses charcoal ink. For women, he uses transparent ink and a glove.
Wat Bang Phreak Tai stands as a testament. It shows faith, tradition, and the enduring power of belief. It inspires those who seek blessings. It preserves ancient arts. It remains a vibrant center of Thai culture.