Wat Phra Non Chakkrasi
Wat Phra Non Chakkrasi
Sing Buri
Background
Phra Non Chakkrasi is a Buddha image in the reclining position. There is no evidence of who made the image or when it was made, but it is believed that the image was made towards the end of the Ayutthaya Period. According to a local tale, the reclining Buddha fell down and was buried underground. Than U-thong, who was a merchant, was travelling with 55 carts when one of the wheels stumbled upon a mound of soil which revealed a bar of gold, an element of the inner core of the reclining Buddha image. After digging, he discovered that the gold measured 3 fists in width and 40 meters in length. Faithfully. Thao U-thong built a new reclining Buddha along with a wihan and monks’ dwellings.
The story about Phra Non Chakkrasi appeared again in the Ayutthaya Chronicle, describing King Borommakot’s visit to the reclining Buddha in 1754. He ordered that the temple be renovated, which was finished two years later. He came to the temple again to celebrate the completion.
124 years later, King Rama V the Great came to pay respect to the Buddha at the temple. He saw how dilapidated the temple had become. Consequently, he donated his money and ordered a major renovation of the temple, which took a very long time to finish. The King also presented the temple with two other Buddha images: Phra Kaeo and PhraKan.
Belief
According to Sing Buri people’s belief, after paying respect to Phra Non Chakkrasi, one should walk around to view over 100 cannonball trees inside the temple area, make a wish and then clap their hands. If a flower falls from the tree, the wish will come true. It is also believed that paying respect to Phra Non Chakkrasi will bring happiness and good health. Those suffering from illness usually come and seek the Buddha’s blessings. If they get what they wish for, they will offer him boiled eggs. a pig’s head and rice offerings in return.
To make offerings include flowers, incense sticks, candles and gold leaf to be put onto the reclining Buddha. After having peace of mind as a result of paying respect and seeking blessings, one should always keep in mind that one needs to take care of their body in order to have good health. The Buddha talked about 5 Dhamma virtues that makes a person live long: providing oneself with comfort, being able to moderate comfortable things, consuming digestive food, going out when it is appropriate, and living according to Brahmavihara (The Four Immeasurables). If a person can follow these 5 virtues, he/she shall he blessed with good health free of sickness.
How to get there
Wat Phra Non Chakkrasi is located in Ban Phra Non, Chakkrasi Sub-district, Mueang District, Sing Buri. It is 4 meters away from the City Hall along the Sing Buri Suphan Buri route. For further details, please contact Tel. 0 3652 0251, 0 3642 2168-9.