Monday, August 27, 2012

Ajarn Erng of Wat Cherng Wai

Ajarn Erng of Wat Cherng Wai in Bang Seua, Bangkok is the top master of making Phra Pirab amulets today. He was also famous for one batch of Khun Paen Coyote which caused quite a scandal at that time due to the images of naked woman dancers on the amulet. Of course, AJ did not know how it looked like when he blessed those KP. Above we see the temple gate. On that day there was a Chinese funeral in the temple, thus the banner there.
Gate leading to the Ubosot.
The main office building.
The monks' quarters and bell tower.
Another view of the Ubosot.
Taking a shot with AJ in his kuti.
AJ drawing Yants on the Pirab amulets that I chowed. He was quite a friendly and obliging master.
The Jumbo Phra Pirab Rians.

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Wat LP Opasi in Bangkok

Wat LP Opasi in Bangmot, Bangkok is the temple of the great guru monk of Fire Jhana, LP Opasi. This place used to be called Arsom Bangmot and was expanded into a temple after LP Opasi passed away. Above we see the temple gate.
The Ubosot.
The Mazu shrine beside the temple.
Mazu and Tai Hong Gong statue inside the shrine.
Guanyin and Shancai statue outside.
The tall Dragon pillar.
Billboard stating the amount of money used to build up this temple.
Another view of the Ubosot.
Statue of Tieguai Li, leader of the 8 Immortals.
The side Vihara.
Phra Chinaraj Statue inside the Ubosot.
Distant view of LP Opasi's Chedi.
The holy furnace where LP Opasi used to burn all the offerings given to him.
Statue of LP Opasi in the posture when he entered Nibbana.
Statue of King Rama V, whom LP Opasi had a deep affinity with.
Different statues of LP Opasi.
Entrance to the grand Chedi.
Large portrait of LP Opasi in front of his casket. After paying respect to LP, I chowed some new amulets from the beautiful temple.
The various types of Rians that I got.

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Relic Exhibition at Wat Yannawa

Wat Yannawa is a famous temple in Bangkok's Sathorn district with a Chinese Junk structure that was built since the time of King Rama III. I heard there was a relic exhibition there so I went for a visit. Above we see the Akarn or main prayer hall. The exhibit is inside.
The Guanyin shrine outside.
Monument to King Rama III.
Shot taken from the top of the Akarn.
The 3 arched gates of the temple.
Phra Pang Ham Samut in the rooftop shrine hall.
Main altar in the exhibit hall.
Phra Narai Song Krut and Rahu statue.
Brain relics of the Buddha.
Mixture of Tibetan and Thai Buddha statues. Was not able to take more as they did not allow photography in the hall. There were relics of the 28 past Buddhas, the great Arahant disciples, legendary Thai guru monks and many more.
The shrine house on top of the Junk.
Main chedi in the middle of the Junk.
The old Vihara that is going to be renovated and reinforced.
The library and office building. It is a big and beautiful temple, but few tourists visit it.

Monday, August 13, 2012

AJ Charan of Wat Hua Chang

Wat Hua Chang in Lopburi province is the temple of AJ Charan, a disciple of LP Reuang in his 40s. He is the young abbot there. The name of the temple means elephant head and is quite well established. Above we see the main altar in AJ's kuti, with many Lersi heads and statues.
The Ubosot.
Wiharn of Chao Kun Sunthorn.
The LP Mor Buddha statue to be gold plated.
The main Sala.
Donation corner.
The Bell tower. Below is a big banner showing AJ Charan taking care of the sick LP Reuang.
Roor Lor Lersi Na Sing (Lion-faced).
Snake skin takruts for wealth.