A visit to intriguing religious landmarks

Saraburi Province, located approximately 110 km from Bangkok, lies to the northeast. Established during the Ayutthaya period and further inhabited in early Rattanakosin, the province has many interesting Buddhist sites. The main attraction is Wat Phra Phutthabat or the Temple of the Buddha’s Footprint built in 1624, and is the emblem of the province. Found on a hill by a hunter, the footprint was discovered to have all 108 auspicious signs on it. King Songtham of Ayutthaya built a pavilion to protect the footprint, a structure that was renovated numerous times over the years. There are other Buddhist structures near the footprint pavilion, one depicting scenes of the underworld in mural paintings. Three impressive staircases, side by side, lead up to the elevated structures on the hill.

Another important Buddhist site is Phra Phothisat Cave or the Bodhisattva Cave. Situated behind a temple where people come to meditate, with signs of the Buddha’s moral teaching and those of proverbs placed around the temple grounds. The Boddhisattva cave is small, depicting on one wall a raised bas-relief of the Dvaravati period (7^th-11^th centuries) a seated preaching Buddha and Hindu gods. The cave has been registered by the Fine Arts Department as a national ancient monument.

In the Sao Hai district of Saraburi stands Wat Chanthaburi. This hidden gem of a temple was built in 1891 during the reign of Rama III. Standing alone, it was once the ubosot (ordination hall) of the temple. Typical of that period, the building’s exterior is decorated with stucco and has an ornate gable board. Enchanting mural paintings of the Life of the Buddha are at the interior.

The Siam Society will arrange a one-day trip to visit these magnificent Buddhist sites in Saraburi province, under the leadership of Khun Ruth Gerson, Member of The Siam Society.