Trang: People flocked to worship the over 1,000-year-old reclining Buddha wearing a Manora headdress, the only one of its kind in Thailand, at Wat Phukhao Thong in Trang province. Built during the Srivijaya period, it reflects the reverence of those who worship the Manora dance masters.
According to Thai News Agency, at Wat Phukhao Thong in Nam Phut Subdistrict, Mueang District, Trang Province, people continuously flock to worship the reclining Buddha statue wearing a Manora headdress, which is over 1,000 years old. This is especially true on important Buddhist holidays. It is the only reclining Buddha statue depicting the Parinirvana (Buddha's death) found in Thailand, measuring 9 meters in length and over 2 meters in width. Built during the Srivijaya period, it is currently registered as one of 20 historical sites in Trang Province by the Fine Arts Department.
Phra Khru Phawana Samathikhun, the abbot of Wat Phukhao Thong, recounted that the reclining Buddha wearing a Manora headdress was constructed between 1200 and 1300 AD during the reign of Prince Nor and Princess Lueat Khao. Upon hearing that King Sri Thammasokarat II, the ruler of Nakhon Si Thammarat, was preparing to renovate the Phra Borom That (pagoda), Prince Nor and Princess Lueat Khao gathered all their wealth to offer as a Buddhist offering. However, upon arriving at Khao Chum Thong, or Wat Phukhao Thong as it is known today, they learned that the Phra Borom That had already been completed. Therefore, Princess Lueat Khao stored all her treasures in a cave at Khao Chum Thong (Phukhao Thong).
Queen Leud Khao, having Manora dance blood, commissioned the construction of a wooden reclining Buddha statue wearing a Manora headdress to seal the entrance of the cave. She entrusted the local villagers with its care. However, over time, the wooden statue deteriorated. The Fine Arts Department then undertook restoration work, coating it with brass and reinforcing it with an internal iron frame for added strength and stability. Manora dance performances are held as an offering every year during Songkran (Thai New Year).
Within the temple grounds, there are also ancient human skeletons, over 3,000 years old and dating back to the pre-Buddhist era, which have become fossilized. These are on display for young people and the general public to study and learn from.
Furthermore, at Wat Phu Khao Thong, stalactites and stalagmites over 1,000 years old have been discovered, forming a large white mass that resembles the image of the Goddess of Mercy, Guanyin. Phra Khru Phawana Samathikhun therefore placed a replica of the Goddess of Mercy nearby for comparison, greatly enhancing the reverence and faith of the people. This is considered another beautiful marvel created by nature.