Hua Hin

Hua Hin is a famous beach resort town in Thailand, in the northern part of the Malay Peninsula, some 200 km south of Bangkok. It has a population of 84,883 in an area of 911 km², and is one of eight districts (Amphoe) of the Prachuap Khiri Khan province.

Hua Hin is closely associated with the Thai royalty. Merely 25 kilometers apart, Hua Hin in Prachuap Khiri Khan province enjoys a wealth of satellite attractions; prominent among them are national parks and historical cities.

History

In 1834, before the name Hua Hin was coined, some agricultural areas of Phetchaburi Province were hit by severe drought. A group of farmers moved southward until they found a small village that had bright white sands and a row of rocks along the beach. They settled here and gave it the name Samore Riang , which mean rows of rock.

In 1921 the director of the state railway, Prince Purachatra, built the Railway Hotel close to the beach. King Prajadhipok (Rama VII) liked the place so much that he built a summer palace there. The palace was named Wang Klai Kang Won ('Far from Worries'). It is now the full-time residence of His Majesty the King of Thailand. His Royal Highness Prince Krom Phra Naresworarit was the first member of the royal family to build a group of palaces at Ban Laem Hin, called Sukaves, and he give the name Hua Hin to the beach next to his palace.

In 1932 Hua Hin was part of Pran Buri district. In 1949 Hua Hin was promoted to be a district of Prachuap Khiri Khan province. After the building of southern railway, Hua Hin became the first and most popular beach resort of Thailand.

Laung Poo Tuad

His Reverend Luang Poh Tuad is one of the kingdom’s famous and highly revered Buddhist monks. Many people recognize and remember Luang Poh Tuad for the miraculous act of having turned seawater into fresh water in one incident and, therefore, it was believed that he had supernatural powers. He had gained many followers since then.

Nowadays, people from different places don’t hesitate to travel to Wat Huay Mongkhon, however long the journey may be, to pay respect to the large sculpture situated in this temple, because their faith in Luang Poo Tuad is such. Those who have faith in Luang Poo Tuad firmly believe that his sacredness provides protection against accidents, fire and various types of disasters.

The most prominent feature of this temple is the 9.9m wide and 11.5m high sculpture of Somdet Luang Poo Tuad Yieb Nam Thale Jued with the Royal symbol of Her Majesty the Queen Sirikit at the base. The sculpture depicts the revered Buddhist monk seated in the ‘lotus’ pose. The sculpture was built on the occasion of HMQ Sirikit’s Birthday Celebration (August 12th, 2004).

The famous talismanic objects

In Thailand, people are always on the lookout for something that will appease their mind. The belief in talismans, objects that are believed to have magical powers that shield against bad luck, bring about good luck and help people become wealthy reinforces the above statement. Wat Huay Mongkhon has also been famous for various kinds of amulets or talismans for a long time. Chatukam Ramathep which deniably is the most popular talisman in Thailand at the moment is also available at this temple. Furthermore, you can worship the big Chatukam deity here.

The natural environment

The whole area of more than 100 Rais of Wat Huay Mongkhon is very well maintained since this place has become a recreational area for visitors. They aim to preserve the natural environment as much as possible so that the place can truly serve as a relaxing atmosphere for all the visitors. There are pavilions with comfortable benches at almost every corner of the whole area. There are three main spots where you can pay respects to the Buddha’s idols, Luang Poo Tuad sculptures and other deities with flowers along with a candle and incense that will be provided. In addition, Wat Huay Mongkhon also houses a well decorated pavilion which contains Relic of the Buddha, open for the people to come and worship. After worshipping the Buddha idols, you may pay a visit to the almshouse that serves free meals throughout the day.

The Real meaning of Merit

Wat Huay Mongkhon has always been a generous institution that promotes and encourages people and other organizations to also make merit outside temple. They have many different projects such as helping small schools, hospitals, border police, etc. by providing them necessary facilities. This is possible because of the contribution people come and make at this holy temple.

The real developer

Phrakru Papatsorn Worrapinit, also known as Phra Archarn Pirot Papatsaro, the present abbot of Wat Huay Mongkhon is the real developer and the person behind all the development of this renowned temple. Phrakru Papatsorn Worrapinit himself is well known country wide as the monk who serves people and the country by all his good deeds.

Article from : http://www.huahintoday.net/articles/wat-huay-mong-khon-monk-statue.htm