Wat Bang Phra
Wat Bang Phra (Template:Lang-th) is a Buddhist temple (wat) in Nakhon Chai Si district, Nakhon Pathom Province, Thailand, about 50 km west of Bangkok.
Wat Bang Phra translates into English as the "Temple of the Little Buddha".
History
There is no existing record of when this temple was founded, however the architecture of its assembly hall indicates the late Ayutthaya period, while the murals inside the sermon hall demonstrate the craftsmanship during the reigns of Kings Rama III] and Rama IV. Former abbot Phra Udom Prachanart, more commonly known as Luang Poh Pern, was a famous meditation monk well known for his potent incantations and was also well rounded in the knowledge of the body of canons binding the Buddhist priesthood (Tripitaka). He built many of the structures on the premises from public donations during his time. The well renovated assembly and sermon halls, as well as the local museum where many abandoned artefacts have been put on display, are of interest.
Tattooing
The temple is also known for the sak yant tattoos given by the monks that live there, and especially for the tattoo festival held on the temple grounds every March. On non-festival days, would-be tattoo recipients arrive at the temple in the early morning and make offerings to Buddha to support the wat. Tattoos are done in groups of twenty people. The tattoos drawn by monks using thin needles about 18 in long and about four mm wide. The typical tattoo takes about 3000 stikes over 12 to 15 minutes to complete. When complete the tattoo is blessed by the monk.
External links
- Videos of sak yant tattooing at the temple: [1], [2], [3]
- Thai Tattoo Festival guide