Pay homage to Luang Pho Phra Sai at Wat Pho Chai

Wat Pho Chai is located in Mueang District, Nong Khai Province. It enshrines Luang Pho Phra Sai, an important Buddha image of Nong Khai Province. It is a Buddha image in the meditation posture, in the Mara-Vijaya posture, cast from golden gold. Originally, Luang Pho Phra Sai was enshrined in Vientiane in 2321. During the Thonburi period, it was moved to Wiang Kham and then moved to Wat Phon Chai in Vientiane. Later, during the reign of King Rama III, Chao Anouvong of Vientiane rebelled. Somdet Phra Bowonratchao Maha Sakdi Phonsep led an army to suppress it. Therefore, Phra Suk, Phra Soem, and Phra Sai were brought down from Khao Kwai and enshrined on a bamboo raft, which was firmly tied together, and floated down the Ngum River. When it reached Ban Wen Taen at that time, a miracle occurred when Phra Suk’s pedestal broke and sank into the water due to a strong storm. And that area was named “Wen Taen”. The rafting continued to the Mekong River (Pak Nam Ngum) opposite Ban Nong Kung, Phon Phisai District, Nong Khai Province. A big storm occurred, thunder and lightning roared. Finally, Phra Suk broke through the raft and sank into the water. All the strange symptoms miraculously disappeared. That area was named “Wen Suk” and Phra Suk has been in the water there until today. Only Phra Soem and Phra Sai were brought up to Nong Khai. Phra Soem was enshrined at Wat Pho Chai, while Phra Sai was enshrined at Wat Ho Kong (now Wat Pradit Thammakun). Later, during the reign of King Rama IV, King Mongkut ordered Khun Worathani and Chao Men (the royal official) to bring Phra Soem from Wat Pho Chai, Nong Khai to Bangkok. And invited Phra Sai from Wat Hokong to be enshrined on a cart to be enshrined in Bangkok. But when it arrived at Wat Pho Chai, Luang Pho Phra Sai performed a miracle until the cart broke, so it could not be enshrined. Only Phra Saem was brought to Bangkok and enshrined at Wat Pathum Wanaram. As for Luang Pho Phra Sai, he was enshrined at Wat Pho Chai, Mueang District, Nong Khai, until today. The wonder of Luang Pho Phra Sai earned him the nickname “Luang Pho Kwian Hak”. #VisitHistoricalSites #NortheastTeam