Legend of Luang Phor Wat Rai Khing

 

The Legend of Luang Phor Wat Rai Khing

Wat Rai Khing, Sam Phran District, Nakhon Pathom Province

Origins of the Five Floating Buddha Statues

A long-standing legend recounts the story of five revered Buddha statues that miraculously floated along the Nakhon Chai Si River, believed to have appeared to relieve the suffering of people in the South. Among these sacred images, the final statue came to rest and was enshrined at Wat Rai Khing, where it is fondly known by locals as Luang Phor Wat Rai Khing.

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Historical Background

During the reign of Somdet Phra Buddhacarya (Phuk), who later became the Supreme Patriarch in 1851, he once visited Wat Rai Khing. Upon entering the ordination hall, he remarked that while the hall was large, the principal Buddha image was rather small. The abbot explained that due to limited resources, the temple could not afford to construct a grander image.

In response, Somdet Phra Buddhacarya informed the abbot that he had a suitable image at his temple, Wat Sala Poon Worawihan in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, and offered it for Wat Rai Khing. Shortly thereafter, the abbot and temple committee transported the statue on a bamboo raft, navigating through the Chao Phraya River into the Nakhon Chai Si River until they reached Wat Rai Khing. Upon arrival, a grand enshrinement ceremony was held, and the image was designated as the new principal Buddha statue, named Luang Phor Wat Rai Khing.

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Description of the Image

• Material: Bronze

• Posture: Modified Mara-Vijaya posture (subduing Mara)

• Art Style: A blend of Chiang Saen, Sukhothai, and Rattanakosin influences

• Dimensions:

  • Lap Width: 4 cubits and 2 inches

  • Height: 4 cubits and 16 inches

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Miraculous Event During Enshrinement

On the full moon day of the 5th lunar month, coinciding with Songkran Day, the villagers organized a major ceremony to welcome the Buddha image. As the sun blazed intensely during the procession from the raft to the pavilion, a miraculous weather change occurred. Storm clouds gathered, thunder roared, and rain poured down, offering much-needed relief to all.

This phenomenon was seen as a sign of Luang Phor’s divine compassion—bringing coolness, prosperity, and the alleviation of suffering, just as rain revives the earth. Since then, Wat Rai Khing has become a spiritual destination, attracting worshippers from across the country.

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Miraculous Incidents & Sacred Reputation

Numerous accounts have been shared about the divine protection and healing offered by Luang Phor:

• A woman struck by lightning in a rice field survived—doctors deemed her survival impossible. She was wearing a Luang Phor Rai Khing medallion.

• A woman in America who suffered persistent numbness in her lip was eventually healed after receiving a small image of Luang Phor and dreaming of him. She later donated significantly to support Metta Pracharak Hospital (Wat Rai Khing).

• A man survived a carjacking and kept his vow by ordaining as a monk at Wat Rai Khing for one Buddhist Lent.

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Holy Water Blessings

Wat Rai Khing is also renowned for its sacred holy water, believed to:

• Relieve fevers and ailments in humans and animals

• Heal headaches and physical discomfort

• Provide blessings and spiritual cleansing

Due to its popularity, the temple began bottling the water in plastic bottles for devotees to take home safely.

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Daily Worship & Fulfillment of Vows

Worshippers visit Luang Phor daily, especially on weekends and holidays, to:

• Make offerings and seek blessings

• Pray for healing, prosperity, or protection

• Fulfill vows with offerings such as:

  • Firecrackers (a popular offering to express gratitude)

  • Kites, known to be Luang Phor’s favored item

One important rule: Luang Phor should not be invoked to avoid military conscription, in line with the ethical teachings of the floating monks.

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Annual Worship Ceremonies

The temple hosts three major ceremonies in honor of Luang Phor Wat Rai Khing:

1. Tak Bat Devo Ceremony

   • Held on the 15th waxing day of the 11th lunar month

   • Includes almsgiving and sermon sessions

   • Gold leaf offerings to the Buddha image

2. Chinese New Year Worship Festival

   • Organized for the ethnic Chinese community to offer prayers and gold leaf

3. Annual Gilding Festival

   • Held from the 13th waxing day to the 3rd waning day of the 5th lunar month

   • Marks a grand occasion of collective merit-making and veneration

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Conclusion

Luang Phor Wat Rai Khing is not merely a statue; he is a spiritual anchor for millions of devotees. With his miraculous powers, sacred history, and enduring presence, he continues to inspire faith, healing, and compassion—spreading merit and happiness far beyond the banks of the Nakhon Chai Si River.