A Journey of Faith Discovering Bang Riang Temple's Wonders

Bang Riang Temple, also known as Rat Upatham Temple, was an ancient sanctuary situated in Thap Put District, Phang Nga Province. This sacred place held a rich history filled with stories of devotion and tranquility. Perched atop Khao Lan, it was where human craftsmanship met the wonders of nature.

At its core stood a breathtaking statue of Goddess Kuan Yin, radiating an aura of compassion that seemed to touch every visitor. Her eyes held a wisdom that felt boundless, gazing out over the lush landscape below.

In a corner of the temple, safeguarded by majestic stone lions, rested the revered relics of Phra Buddha. Here, one could find the ashes of Chainak Prok and the towering Phra Mahathat Chedi. This spot felt like a bridge between our world and something greater.

The encircling mountains, ancient and wise, stood as vigilant sentinels, their rugged peaks appearing to touch the sky. They seemed to hold ancient stories, whispering them to the wind. Beneath the canopy of towering trees, their branches reaching out like welcoming arms, the temple exuded an enduring sense of calm.

Several months ago, my friend and I had made plans to pay our respects and offer merits at Bang Riang Temple in Phang Nga Province. Unfortunately, the persistent rain kept thwarting our plans, leading us to postpone indefinitely. It wasn't until the school holidays, which granted us and the children a whole month of freedom, that we saw a chance.

I diligently checked the weather forecast from the Meteorological Department, hoping to find a rain-free day. However, they informed us that, except for Mondays, rain had been a daily visitor during this period. Undeterred, my friends and I rallied again.

One morning, we coordinated to meet at my house at 7 a.m. At around 6:50 a.m., my friend and her son arrived. We readied ourselves for the journey to Bang Riang Temple in Thap Put District, Phang Nga Province, a trip spanning approximately 120 kilometers. I drove at a leisurely pace, taking in the scenery. Around 9 a.m., we found ourselves in close proximity to Bang Riang Temple and decided to pause for breakfast before venturing further.

Bang Riang Temple sprawled over a vast expanse, divided into two distinct sections. The first was a flat area, while the second perched on a lofty hill. We opted to explore Section 2 first. Cautiously, I maneuvered up the steep hill, flanked by towering trees on either side of the road. Upon reaching the mountain's zenith, exhilaration surged through us. Parking the car, our gazes were drawn to the path leading up to Phra Mahathat Chedi Buddhathambanlue. Majestic Naga statues adorned both sides of the entrance. The pagoda, resembling an inverted bell, was encircled by a base. It was surrounded by smaller Buddha statues, each in a meditative posture. Larger Buddha statues faced every cardinal direction. At the pagoda's pinnacle, a glisten of gold caught our eyes.

As we ascended the hill towards Phra Mahathat Chedi Buddhathambanlue, we couldn't help but marvel at the remarkable man-made structure. Constructing such a grand edifice on a lofty mountain was no small feat. It required an immense investment of both time and resources, not to mention the stunning backdrop of the natural surroundings only added to its magnificence.

As we approached Phra Mahathat Chedi Buddhathambanlue, we entered with reverence in our hearts, ready to make offerings, pay our respects, and seek blessings.

Inside Phra Mahathat Chedi Buddhathambanlue, we discovered two levels. We made our way to the inner level, where the revered Phra Mahathat Chedi was enshrined. It was a tradition for Buddhists to drape a golden cloth around it, known as the Phra Mahathat blanket, as a tribute to Lord Buddha.

The walls adorned with mural paintings narrated the tale of Buddha's history and depicted various ancient traditions in stunning detail. It was a captivating glimpse into a bygone era of beauty and reverence.

The base of Phra Mahathat Chedi Buddhathambanlue was adorned with a multitude of exquisitely adorned giants, all poised in the act of shouldering the weight of the sacred chedi. Their intricate attire and majestic postures added a captivating charm to the surroundings.

The corridor surrounding Phra Mahathat Chedi Buddhathambanlue was a sight to behold. Alongside the giants, faithfully depicting the act of shouldering the sacred chedi, numerous Buddha statues were meticulously arranged. Each one was set upon a meticulously adorned base, contributing to the overall grandeur of the scene. The attention to detail was truly awe-inspiring.

Having immersed ourselves in the inner sanctum of Mahathat Chedi Buddhathamlue, we stepped outside and were greeted by the sight of the inverted bell-shaped pagoda. Its exterior was just as captivating as its interior, a testament to the artistry and beauty that adorned every facet of this sacred place.

Inquisitively, we ventured towards a gathering of foreign tourists, their animated conversations and cameras capturing the essence of the temple. As we approached, our eyes fell upon a remarkable sight: Below us lay the Bodhisattva Guan Yin, a grand manifestation of the compassionate deity. Towering nearby was the imposing figure of Goddess Kuan Yin, a powerful symbol of protection for the people of the south. Nestled amidst the trees and the forest on a neighboring hill, we discovered the enshrinement of Phra Buddha ashes of Chainak Prok. It was a scene of profound spirituality set amidst the embrace of nature.

Carefully, we descended the steep steps to get a closer look at the stunning figure of Guan Yin. Before her, a serene pond mirrored her graceful form, creating a mesmerizing reflection. Guan Yin's countenance radiated boundless joy and compassion, a tangible embodiment of her love for all living beings.

Adjacent to Guan Yin Bodhisattva, on a gentle hill, nestled the sacred enshrinement of the auspicious Buddha ashes of Chainak Prok. We ventured down from the hill that housed Guan Yin, a distance of about 1 kilometer. Even the sweltering heat couldn't dissuade us from reaching the next hill. The towering trees provided a welcome respite from the blazing sun, tempering the temperature. As we approached the area in front of the Buddha ashes of Chainak Prok, a lush carpet of green moss greeted us, lending a sense of freshness and natural beauty to the surroundings.

Before the sacred enshrinement of the Buddha ashes of Chainak Prok, we were greeted by a procession of lion statues, standing sentinel on either side of the path as if guarding the sacred site. The atmosphere around was hushed and tranquil, adding to the sense of reverence that permeated the area.

After immersing ourselves in the beauty of the surroundings, we made our way back towards the car park. Initially, We had planned to retrace our steps, but a new fork in the road caught our attention. Feeling adventurous, we opted for this unfamiliar path. The route was approximately 4 kilometers, leading up a high hill from the parking area.

Ascending the 4-kilometer incline was no small feat for any of us. Yet, the allure of nature spurred us on to conquer it. Along the path, towering trees provided shade, while vibrant green moss adorned the road's edges, a testament to the thriving forest. It took us roughly 40 minutes to navigate the hill back to the parking lot – a mix of exhaustion and exhilaration that left us with a sense of accomplishment and fond memories.