Wihan Luang Pho Suriyamuni

Rating: 4.2/5 (5 votes)

Open Days: Open daily

Opening Hours: Approximately 08:00 – 17:00

 

Wihan Luang Pho Suriyamuni is a sacred place and a spiritual anchor for people in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, standing out from the major temples and historic ruins on Ayutthaya Island. Located directly in front of Ayutthaya Railway Station, the shrine hall is often the first sacred landmark many train travelers notice. It is a place where everyday life, travel, and faith are closely woven together.

 

In the past, Luang Pho Suriyamuni was known as “Luang Pho Kho Hak” (literally, “the Broken-Neck Buddha”). The image was originally enshrined in the area of Wat Khok Krabue, an abandoned temple site in Ayutthaya. It is believed that the Buddha image dates back to the Ayutthaya period, when the city served as the capital. The statue is in the Naga-Protected posture and is associated with Dvaravati-style art, reflecting a long continuity of artistic development and Buddhist belief that predates the Ayutthaya era.

 

The name “Luang Pho Kho Hak” was a traditional local name. It is understood to have come from the condition of the image in earlier times, when damage around the neck area occurred due to age and the surrounding environment. Even though the image was not fully intact, it remained continuously revered by people in the area. Locals and passersby believed in its sacred power, and many felt they received good outcomes after paying respects and making wishes.

 

At first, the worship area was very simple, sheltered only by a corrugated metal roof to protect devotees from sun and rain. Over time, many worshippers said they received good fortune, success, and smoother life circumstances after praying to Luang Pho. This led to a collective effort to restore and improve the place so it would be more stable and more fitting for public devotion.

 

A major restoration transformed the temporary shelter into an official “wihan” (shrine hall). A bridge was also built across the moat-like canal to connect the hall with the Ayutthaya Railway Station area, making access more convenient and safer. This development not only strengthened local faith but also made Wihan Luang Pho Suriyamuni a visible part of the cityscape and everyday life around the station.

 

Another important event in the history of this shrine hall was the ceremonial restoration of the Buddha image’s head, performed by Luang Pho Un of Wat Phra Yatikaram. The rite helped return the image to a more complete and dignified state. At the same time, the image was given the name “Luang Pho Suriyamuni,” a name associated with wisdom, brightness, and inner peace. Since then, Luang Pho Suriyamuni has become widely venerated, and devotees have continued to visit in large numbers.

 

From an art-historical perspective, the Naga-Protected posture reflects the idea of safeguarding Buddhism and overcoming obstacles, with the Naga’s expanded hood symbolizing the protective force of faith over the Dhamma. The image’s Dvaravati-style character further links this place to the broader development of art history in the upper Chao Phraya River basin. As a result, the site is not only a place of worship but also a culturally meaningful piece of heritage.

 

The atmosphere at Wihan Luang Pho Suriyamuni today feels calm, even though it is located near a railway station with activity throughout the day. The contrast between train sounds and the stillness inside the shrine hall creates a distinctive sense of pause and quiet for many visitors. Devotees commonly make simple wishes for good fortune, career progress, safe journeys, and peace in life.

 

Getting There There are several convenient ways to reach Wihan Luang Pho Suriyamuni. If traveling from Bangkok by private car, take Rojana Road into Ayutthaya city. At the traffic-light intersection near the Chedi of Wat Sam Pluem (a stupa in the middle of the road), turn right and continue for about 50 meters. Then take the bridge curve and go straight for about 2 kilometers to reach Ayutthaya Railway Station. The shrine hall is clearly visible directly across from the station. Another route is via Pridi Thamrong Bridge, heading toward Ayutthaya Railway Station and crossing to the station-front side. If traveling by train, get off at Ayutthaya Station and walk across immediately.

 

 

A: Yes. It is the same Buddha image. “Luang Pho Kho Hak” was the former local name before restoration, the head restoration rite, and the new name “Luang Pho Suriyamuni” was given.

 

A: Devotees commonly pray for good fortune, progress in life, and safe travel.

 

A: It is located directly in front of Ayutthaya Railway Station and can be reached by walking across from the station.