Friday, January 25, 2008

LP Poon of Wat Pailom

LP Poon of Wat Pailom in Nakhon Pathom used to be famous for making Hanuman and Kumantong amulets and images. At least, that was what all the Singaporeans and Malaysians know about. Among Thais in the province he was also well known for doing a lot of charitable works like building schools and hospitals with temple money. Since LP Poon passed away a few years ago, Wat Pailom has been taken over by his successor, the plump Ajarn Foon. He has managed to keep the name up so far, despite some negative stories being revealed about him. On 17.01.2008 I visited this temple for the first time. It was quite well decorated and furnished, showing that this is still a rich temple. Above is the Ubosot of the temple.
A large flying Hanuman statue with flag and trident outside the Ubosot.
The gate of the Ubosot with the 2 Yakkha guardians. Below is the billboard advertising the most recent batch of amulets made, "Neung Nai Paen Din". It was consecrated on October last year, and Phra Sangaraj also came to participate in the chanting.
Another view of the Ubosot.
Inside the main Vihara we can see LP Poon's wax statue as well as his body in a glass coffin. We could see that the body had turned totally black, same as LP Peun of Wat Bang Phra. It was not an "undecaying body". Think the temple should cremate LP Poon rather than put his body on show indefinitely to attract visitors.
Here we see a large Kumantong as well as a few Lersi (hermit) statues.
The various mystical masks kept by LP Poon.
This is the 2-inch mini Jatukam bucha I obtained at the temple, made from black bronze and Pit Thong. It is part of the recent "Neung Nai Paen Din" batch. There are also many more stuff available at the temple counter, if one can bother to go through them.

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