In a fascinating twist of fate, renovations at the historic Wat Sangachai Thera temple in the heart of Suphan Buri have led to the unearthing of over 10,000 amulets, secretly cradled beneath a submerged and sacred boundary stone. The discovery unfolded during a much-needed facelift for the venerable old ordination hall, a revered structure that has stood the test of time for an impressive span of over 65 years.
The renovation crew, led by the diligent abbot, Phra Khru Sirikitikhun, embarked on this ambitious project to breathe new life into the hall, which had begun to show signs of wear and tear. As they meticulously searched for the ordination hall’s center—a task that required careful excavation around the long-submerged boundary stone—a startling find emerged from the depths. There, hidden under layers of time and water, lay a treasure trove of amulets.
This auspicious find was promptly brought to the attention of the abbot, who, along with a team of monks and committee members, took it upon themselves to catalogue the remarkable assortment of historical tokens. Among these gems was the illustrious Phra Rod, complete with the fascinating inscriptions of Thera, long associated with the legendary Luang Phor Ruesi Lingdam. Other intriguing discoveries included a thousand Phra Tham Suea amulets from the enigmatic Wat Khao Dee Salak, and revered figures like Phra Khun Paen and the elegant Nang Phaya, enhancing the already rich tapestry of this archaeological cache.
But wait, there’s more! The assortment also proudly featured coveted amulets from renowned figures like Luang Phor Khom of Wat Phai Rong Wua, and the revered Phra Sivali, alongside the cherished tokens of Luang Phor Daeng of Wat Thung Khok, tallying up to an astonishing 10,000+ pieces. This haul adds a remarkable chapter to the long and storied history of the ordination hall which began its construction journey in the year 2502, and saw the sacred boundary stone planted in place by 2518.
Fast-forward to the present, and the temple now finds itself on the brink of an exciting new venture. With the recently uncovered amulets set to be made available for worship rentals as of January 14, they are destined to play a pivotal role in funding the extensive renovations needed to restore the hall to its original grandeur. This harmonious blend of venerating the past while facilitating future preservation echoes the deeply embedded Buddhist tradition of embedding amulets in consecration stones—an enduring legacy ensuring these sacred objects play a role in temple rejuvenation for generations yet to come.
Sama Phongpaew, the construction contractor at the helm of this extraordinary development, recounted with infectious enthusiasm the moment the center stone was unearthed. Hidden beneath its watery veil were countless amulets, an ancient secret finally revealed. Prompt action saw the treasure recovered and safely dedicated to the temple’s stewardship for further management.
This fascinating intersection of history, archaeology, and culture now invites worshipers from near and far to partake in Wat Sangachai Thera’s continuing saga—a blend of divine reverence and communal effort. As renovations proceed, the temple stands not only as a monument to the sacred past but as a beacon of sustainable heritage, crafting new beginnings from the annals of history.
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