Wat Srisoonthorn or Wat Lipon
reclining buddha at Wat Srisoonthorn impression
Located just north of Thalang Phuket Thailand. On the road that runs from Phuket Town to the airport on is on the left just pass the Heroine Monument. It is easy to miss as its off the road a little and there is another Wat before you get to this one. The first impression on entering the grounds is of the 29-metre-high Sleeping Buddha on top of the wat’s central building.
Why the sleeping position? This pose is considered very important for Buddhists as it represents the Lord Buddha in the stage of dreaming. The story has it that it happened after he stopped the six-year long period of extreme self-mortification (in the hope of discovering the Truth about life). He had a dream that made him realize soon afterward that he had indeed reached the stage of enlightenment and was ready to help other people.
If you look around here, you will notice that there are quite a few non-Buddha images, including a giant and lions (all from Thai myths, not at all your average giant and lions). They are believed to act as the temple’s guards.
Covering about 22 rai of land, Wat Lipon was built in 1792. It was later named Wat Srisoonthorn by King Rama I. The main ubosot (or temple hall) is in a very simple style. There’s only one full wall and the whole property is very quiet, peaceful and shady. Good for those looking for a place to meditate.
And just like many other temples in Thailand, there are dogs and cats living in the temple; for whatever reasons these poor animals were abandoned by their owners. The dogs seem to enjoy barking at strangers but so far there have been no reports that they have attacked anyone. Best to be beware, though!
Wat Srisoonthorn Phuket detail strong color
reclining buddha Blue skies
Wat Srisoonthorn reclining buddha dark clouds
“yak” guarding the Buddha
reclining buddha Blue skies
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