Hello everyone

The weather in Phuket was absolutely perfect. The clear blue sky stretched out as far as the eye could see and a gentle breeze blew through the air, making it the perfect temperature to be outside. I had been wanting to visit the Wat Sapum Thammaram for some time now, and with the beautiful weather, I knew it was the perfect time to go.

The temple was located just 4 kilometers from my house, and despite the fact that I drove past it all the time, I had never actually gone inside. As I made my way up the steep hill that led to the temple, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. The road was lined with tall trees that cast dappled shadows on the pavement, and I could see the stupa in the distance.

As I drove through the temple gates, the first thing that caught my eye was many chedis that seemed to be made entirely of bones. "chedi" or "stupa" in Thai are used to contain the ashes or bones of the deceased. They are often found in Buddhist temples and serve as a place for people to pay their respects to their loved ones who have passed away. They can vary in size, with some being quite small and others being quite large. The condition of these stupas can also vary, with some being well-maintained while others may look quite old and worn.

As I drove closer to the temple, my nerves began to grow. The quiet atmosphere and lack of people around made me feel more and more uneasy. I parked my car about 100 meters from the sermon hall and the parking lot and debated whether to get out and explore or to just turn around and leave. But I decided to push through my doubts and take a look around.

When I got out of my car, the only sounds I could hear were the barking of the many dogs and the distant meowing of a few cats. I tried to focus and began to walk towards the Sermon Pavilion, searching for a monk to speak with and make merit. But to my disappointment, there was no one to be found.

As I walked deeper into the temple, I was struck by the beauty of the architecture and the intricate carvings that adorned the walls. One of the most striking features was a large and beautifully crafted stupa, which I soon learned contained the bones of the deceased.

The sight of the stupa initially filled me with a sense of unease, but as I approached it, I noticed the intricate details and the level of craftsmanship put into it. The stupa had an aura of peacefulness that was comforting and my fear began to subside.

Near the stupa, I saw a glorious bell tower. The tower glinted in the sunlight. The combination of the stupa and the bell tower made for a serene and peaceful atmosphere. I walked around the temple, taking in the sights and sounds. The peacefulness of the temple and the beauty of the stupa and bell tower helped to put me at ease and I felt a sense of calm wash over me.

As I continued to explore the temple, I noticed a statue of Phra Sivali, another disciple of the Buddha. According to tradition, Phra Sivali is believed to be a powerful figure who can inspire luck and fortune. The statue was intricately crafted and depicted Phra Sivali in a serene and peaceful pose.

I approached the statue and noticed that there were offerings of flowers and incense placed at the base. I could see that other visitors to the temple had also placed offerings and were making prayers to Phra Sivali. The statue was surrounded by a sense of reverence and I could feel the energy of the people's wishes and prayers.

I too made my offering to Phra Sivali and said a silent prayer, asking for good luck and fortune. I felt a sense of hope and positivity in my heart, and I knew that with the help of Phra Sivali, I could face any challenges that came my way.

The statue of Phra Sivali added an extra dimension to my visit to the temple. It was a reminder that the temple is not only a place for spiritual reflection, but also for seeking blessings and good fortune. It gave me hope that good luck would come my way, and that no matter what happens, I will have the support of Phra Sivali.

After visiting Phra Sivali statue and pagoda, I felt a renewed sense of purpose and decided to continue exploring the temple. I walked up a flight of stairs and found myself at the entrance of the chapel, where Buddhist ceremonies were performed. The chapel was a beautiful structure, reflecting the sunlight and casting a warm glow on the surrounding area.

As I approached the chapel, I saw a large Buddha image enshrined in front of the closed door. The image was magnificent, and I couldn't help but stare in awe at its beauty. The statue was finely detailed and the expressions of the Buddha seemed serene and wise.

I walked around the statue, admiring its beauty from every angle. I took several pictures, capturing the moment and the beauty of the statue. The chapel was closed so I couldn't go inside but the large Buddha image in front of it was enough to make the visit worthwhile.

As I walked around the chapel, taking in the sights, I noticed that on the west side of the church, there was a beautiful view of the mountains. The view was breathtaking, and I couldn't help but take a moment to admire it. The mountains were lush and green, and in the distance, I could see a range of peaks, reaching towards the sky.

I walked towards the edge of the chapel and looked out towards the mountains. The view was truly stunning, and I felt a sense of peace and tranquility wash over me. The mountain range provided an idyllic backdrop to the temple and chapel, making the atmosphere even more serene and peaceful.

I also noticed that on the east side of the church, there was an equally beautiful view of the sea. The view was spectacular, and I couldn't help but take a moment to take it in. The water was a deep blue, and the horizon was dotted with fishing boats.

I walked towards the edge of the chapel and looked out towards the sea. The sun was shining brightly, casting a warm glow over the water. The view was truly breathtaking and I felt a sense of calm and tranquility wash over me. The sea and the sound of the waves provided a perfect contrast to the serenity of the temple and chapel and made the atmosphere even more peaceful.

I noticed on the east side of the church, there was a large and magnificent Buddha statue facing east. The statue was the focal point of the temple, and I couldn't help but feel drawn to it.

I walked towards the statue, admiring its beauty and craftsmanship. The statue was finely detailed and the expressions of the Buddha seemed serene and wise. It was as if the Buddha was looking at the sea and overseeing the people of the temple.

I approached the statue and noticed that there were offerings of flowers and incense placed at the base. I could see that other visitors to the temple had also placed offerings and were making prayers. The statue was surrounded by a sense of reverence and I could feel the energy of the people's wishes and prayers.

I too made my offering to the Buddha statue and said a silent prayer, asking for guidance and wisdom. As I walked around the statue, I took in the serene atmosphere and the magnificent view of the sea. This statue was not only a symbol of Buddhism but also a representation of the connection of humanity with nature.

After spending some time admiring the large Buddha statue, I felt that it was time for me to head back home. I decided to walk a different way than the one I had come in on, and as I was walking, I came across a black Buddha image enshrined under a large Bodhi tree.

The statue was made of black stone and was quite different from the other statues I had seen at the temple. It was situated in a secluded area, and the whole area was very quiet, with only the sound of the leaves rustling in the wind. The Bodhi tree under which the statue was placed was large and ancient, providing shade and a sense of calm to the area.

I approached the statue and made an offering of incense, feeling a sense of peace and reverence as I did. The black Buddha statue had a mysterious quality and the setting under the Bodhi tree added to the peaceful atmosphere of the temple. The secluded area and the large tree made it a perfect place for quiet contemplation and reflection.

The black Buddha statue was a nice surprise and it was the last thing I have seen on my visit to the temple. It was a fitting end to my visit, a reminder that there is always something new to discover and to find peace in the quietness and contemplation. I felt happy and satisfied as I walked back to my car, knowing that this visit to the temple will be something I will always remember.