Wat Kamphaeng Laeng Buddhist, Thailand

Address

Wat Kamphaeng Laeng Buddhist, Kum Peng Mueang, Tha Rab, Mueang Phetchaburi District, Phetchaburi 76000, Thailand

Diety

Buddha

Introduction

The Wat Kamphaeng Laeng is a Khmer sanctuary in the town of Phetchaburi. It is the most Southern Khmer temple in Thailand and the oldest structure in Phetchaburi town. The sanctuary is fairly small and not as impressive as better known Khmer temples as Phimai or Phanom Rung in North East Thailand. Wat Kamphaeng Laeng is an ancient Khmer temple, sanctuary in Hinduism from which it doesn’t remain much and was converted into a Buddhist temple as, it was often the case in Thailand, adding a classic and modern building with a golden sitting Buddha. One of the four ruined prang remaining from the Khmer building houses a refined reclining Buddha.

Puranic Significance

The temple, which name translates to “sandstone wall temple” was founded towards the end of the 12th century during the reign of King Jayavarman VII, one of Angkor’s greatest Kings, at the time when the Khmer empire stretched out as far West as Burma and as far South as the Malay peninsula. Wat Kamphaeng Laeng was constructed as a Hindu sanctuary and later converted into a Buddhist sanctuary. The ancient temple is surrounded by a wall made of huge sandstone blocks, most of which is still standing. In the wall were gopura, gates giving access to the grounds. The temple comprises of five Bayon style prangs and a small chapel, which is a later addition. Originally there were five laterite prangs. The largest prang standing at the center is surrounded by four smaller prangs at the corners. Today four remain, one of the prangs has collapsed. The top of the prangs is classic corncob shape, receding in size towards the top. All structures were completely covered in stucco. Some of the intricate stucco ornamentations in flower motifs still remain today. A few of the niches in the prangs enshrine badly damaged and weathered images of the Buddha. The main, South and North tower stand on an elevated base. Each prang enshrined the image of an idol like Shiva and Vishnu, the Hindu Gods worshipped by the ancient Khmer. The main shrine is the largest and stands at the center, surrounded by four corner prangs. It stands on a base with redented corners. On each of its sides is a portico with an entrance. The top which has collapsed consisted of five receding stories. Most of the stucco has disappeared, although some of the intricate flower motifs still remain. The sanctuary was dedicated to Shiva. Today the prang enshrines a seated image of the Buddha.