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Reclining Buddha Temple in Rayong City
The former temple known as "Wat Pa Lelai" was originally constructed in the Ayutthaya Period (between 1351 and 1767).
Nonetheless, more recently "Wat Pa Pradu" has been a royal monastery since the 1990 Buddhist Era (B.E.) period of time.
History Behind Wat Pa Pradu Royal Temple
It's fair to say the feature of a large reclining Buddha makes it one of the leading temples in Rayong province.
Its former name derives from a relationship with the nearby village of "Tha Pradu" and the tropical hardwood "Pradu" trees.
But here's the thing:
Several centuries ago, a monk named "Tian" discovered the abandoned building and decided to live inside the ancient structure.
When nearby villagers became faithful to the monk, they helped to get a separate house built for him and renovate the dilapidated temple.
Pro Tip: "Wat Pa Lelai Worawihan" is another famous temple in Suphan Buri - one of twenty two central Thailand provinces.
Getting to Wat Pa Pradu Rayong
After discovering the remains of an ordination room and reclining statue of the Buddha, the monk allowed people to practice medicine.
As a result, this has become an ideal location for local communities to hold Thai religious and cultural ceremonies.
The statue is 11.95 metres long and 3.6 metres high. It is one of the oldest religious statues in Rayong Province, situated around sixty (60) kilometres south of Pattaya holiday resort on the eastern seaboard.
But wait - there's more:
The grounds also contain an old church built during the early Rattanakosin period (1782–1932), also known as the Kingdom of Siam.
Nonetheless, the unusual sleeping posture of a Lord Budha statue using the left hand to support his head is what interests visitors the most.
In general, most foreign visitors come to offer alms to monks and to pray (e.g. a process known as making merit).
Yet, some will try to crawl underneath the old church at Rayong's first royal monastery in the hopes of receiving "good fortune and prosperity of life".
Doing so also provides some people with an opportunity to complete all "9 Rounds" and wish for safety:
- Everyday
- Every week
- Every month
- Every year
- When traveling outside
- From a thief and bad people
- From everything
- From bad things (e.g. evil)
- From a parent
Telephone Number: 038-655-520
Address: Soi Nakhon Rayong 49, Sukhumvit Road, Subdistrict Tha Pradu (close to Rayong Clock Tower), Mueang Rayong 21000