Wat Pha Ang

Rating: 2.4/5 (13 votes)

Operating day: Daily

Operating time: 08.00 - 17.00

 

Wat Pha Ang Attractions in Mae Hong Son Pang Mu, Muang Mae Hong Son, Mae Hong Son. Wat Phā Āng, located in Pang Moo Subdistrict, Mueang Mae Hong Son District, Mae Hong Son Province, was granted permission to be established as a temple in 1998. The sacred relic of the Buddha was temporarily enshrined at the Dharmathaveesin Hall, Wat Phā Āng. This relic was given by Somdej Phra Yannasangworn, the Supreme Patriarch, to be enshrined at the top of the Phra Phuttharatnarungruang Muang Sam Mok (Phra Phuttha Sam Mok), also known as "Luang Phor Sam Mok." The enshrinement took place on May 30, 2012, under the leadership of Phra Khru Anuchit Suttatharo, the abbot of Mueang Mae Hong Son District, with Naruemon Phalawath, the governor of Mae Hong Son Province, serving as the lay leader. This sacred relic is now revered by both the monks and laypeople and serves as a symbol of strength and devotion to Buddhism in the region.

 

The Phiya Stupa, located within the grounds of Wat Phā Āng, is approximately 1 kilometer from the town center and stands along the Mae Hong Son-Pai Road (No. 1095). This stupa is of the Tai Yai-Pagan (Myanmar) style, with a large central stupa surrounded by smaller stupas. In front of the small stupas is an archway that enshrines a Buddha statue. Around the base of the stupa, four lion statues are positioned in each cardinal direction. There is an interesting legend associated with the Phiya Stupa. It is believed to have been constructed by King Singhanat Racha and Princess Nang Meya (Queen Meawadee) as a tribute to Nang Kamsai, who saved King Singhanat Racha’s life twice. The locals of Mae Hong Son affectionately call the stupa "The Stupa of Love," as it is said that those without a romantic partner visit to pray for love and companionship.

 

The Reclining Buddha, or Phra Phuttha Sayasan, is enshrined at a hall located in front of Wat Phā Āng in Pang Moo Subdistrict. The statue is sculpted in the Tai Yai style and made of cement. The head faces east, and the statue is surrounded by 28 smaller Buddha statues. The exact year of its construction is unclear, but according to local legend, it was built by King Singhanat Racha and Princess Nang Meya as a memorial to Nang Kamsai, who saved the king’s life when he was attacked by a tiger near the temple.

 

The Dharmathaveesin Hall, also located at Wat Phā Āng, was constructed under the guidance of Phra Maha Sunthorn Sunthornmethee and local devotees of Mae Hong Son. The hall, built from bamboo and palm leaves, was designed to temporarily house the Buddha relics. It also serves as a meditation hall for Buddhists in Mae Hong Son. The opening ceremony took place on May 30, 2012.

 

Luang Phor Sam Mok, one of the most significant Buddha statues in Mae Hong Son Province, is enshrined at the Sermon Hall of Wat Phā Āng. The statue, made of brass, measures 109 inches across the lap and stands 4.99 meters tall from its base. It combines Mandalay, early Ayutthaya, and Rattanakosin artistic styles. The statue was created to honor His Majesty the King on the occasion of his 84th birthday and to celebrate the 2,600th anniversary of the Buddha’s enlightenment. It was also created to be enshrined at the sermon hall of the temple, as the hall previously did not have a Buddha image. The process of sculpting and casting the statue took six months and included four separate casting ceremonies.