Wat Phra Phutthabat

Wat Phra Phutthabat
Saraburi

Background
Wat Phra Phutthabat was built by King Songtham in 1624 during the Ayutthaya Period following the find of a human-like footprint on a stone platform on the mountain slope of Mount Suwan Banphot or Mount Satchaphan Thakhiri.  The footprint was 21 inches in width, five lest in length and 11 inches in depth.  Viewing that the footprint demonstrated 108 auspicious signs of the Buddha, King Songtham ordered that a temporary Mondop (a specific square or cruciform based building or shrine) be constructed to cover the footprint.  Over time, the Mondop has undergone restoration to the beautiful structure it is today.

Belief
According to the belief of Lanka Buddhist worshipers  the Buddha left his footprint in five different places and the one at Wat Phra Phutthabat is one of them.  Worshiping the Buddha’s footprint seven times will ensure that the worshipers enjoy their eternal lives in heaven.  The merit of worshiping the Buddha’s footprint will also bring success in life.  Sprinkling water onto the Buddha’s footprints or attaching gold leaf to them is the equivalent of mind purification and purgation of sin.  In Buddhist teaching, in order to attain eternal life in heaven, in addition to worshiping the Buddha’s footprints, one should always make merit and observe the relevant precepts.  This done, one will enjoy heaven on earth.

Wat Phra Phutthabat is the only temple in Thailand that organizes a ceremony for worshippers to offer flowers to monks every year during the Buddhist Lent.

How to get there
Wat Phra Phutthabat is located at Khun Khlon Sub-district, Pi Phutthabat District, Saraburi Province.  From Saraburi town, take Highway 1 for about 30 kilometers.  Turn left at the Phra Phutthabat Intersection and continue on Somdet Road for about 1 kilometer.  For further details. please contact Tel. 0 3632 1667-9 or at “http://watphrabuddhabat.org/home/”.