Luang Pho Sam Phinong

Luang Pho Sam Phinong is a bronze Buddha statue of great historical and cultural significance in Sukhothai Province. Originally, it was enshrined at Wat Bot, in Bang Khlang Subdistrict, Sawankhalok District, around 1904 (B.E. 2447). At that time, Wat Bot village was deserted. Phra Athikan Ploy, the abbot of Wat Ban San, learned of the ancient and sacred statue in the abandoned temple and decided to conduct a consecration ceremony to invite Luang Pho Sam Phinong to be enshrined at Wat Ban San. He prayed that the offerings and the spirit house used in the ceremony would remain intact, oriented toward the east, and that an annual procession and water blessing ritual would be held every Thai New Year (Songkran). His prayer came true, and villagers welcomed the statue with traditional musical instruments and an antique cart procession.

 

To this day, during the Thai New Year, the community performs morning alms-giving, conducts a consecration ceremony, and parades Luang Pho Sam Phinong to Wat Pak Khlong Daen or neighboring family temples for worship. After the monks finish their meal, the procession returns the statue to Wat Ban San and halts in front of Luang Pho Khao’s vihara for evening chanting. Festivities continue at night with cultural performances. On the 1st day of the waxing moon in the 5th lunar month, the community performs alms-giving and water blessing rituals for the statue. On the 2nd day, alms-giving is repeated in the morning, followed by Dhamma talks and teachings in the afternoon, concluding the annual celebrations.

 

Luang Pho Sam Phinong is notable for its Sukhothai-style artistry, with each of the three statues having distinct facial features, likely due to different artisans, periods, or royal commissions. The smallest statue bears an inscription from the Sukhothai period, stating: “Chao Ram Luk built this so that wishes may be fulfilled and nirvana attained.” Originally from Wat Bot in Bang Khlang, the statue was transported to Wat Ban San in 1904 and later reconstructed by local residents and devotees to preserve its original size and features. The three bronze statues are in the Mara Vichaya posture, reflecting both aesthetic beauty and profound spiritual significance, attracting worshippers from near and far.

 

The main purpose of enshrining Luang Pho Sam Phinong is to provide a place for the public to pay respect and cultivate spiritual merit, while the ceremonies, including alms-giving, consecration, water blessing, and procession, reflect the local cultural traditions and enduring religious devotion. These practices foster community unity and preserve ancient customs, connecting past heritage with contemporary life.

 

In addition, the statues’ unique artistic characteristics serve as important evidence for studying and conserving Sukhothai art. Visiting and paying respect to Luang Pho Sam Phinong is not only a religious practice but also an opportunity to learn about and experience Thailand’s cultural heritage. Through reconstruction and ongoing worship, the statues continue to be a spiritual and cultural focal point for the community, maintaining both historical significance and living tradition.