There is no definite evidence regarding the founder or
when the temple was founded. The large Buddha image in the
wihara was recorded in chronicle as having been built in
1324. It was formerly known as “Phra Putthachao Phanan
Cherng ” until King Rama IV restored the temple and
re-named it “Phra Puttha Trairatana Nayok”. The image is a
gilded brick and plaster seated Buddha in the attitude of
subduing mara.
According to the legend, King Sai Namphung of Ayothaya
built the monastery as a memorial to Queen Soi Dogmak, his
beloved Queen.
"Luang
Po To"
Entrance to Wat Panan Choeng
Wat Panan Choeng
Wat Panan Choeng is an old monastery housing
Thailand's
largest ancient Buddha image, known as "Luang
Po To".
A historical cronicle states that this gilded
stucco image was
built in A.D.1344, some 26 years before the
establishment
of
Ayutthaya as the capital of the Thai
Kingdom in A.D.1350.
Wat Phanan Choeng
Great blessings: Smooth-running business, prosperity in
one's job
This is a Mahayana temple situated to the Southeast of the
Ayutthaya Muang Island. It is presumed to be built before
the establishment of the Ayutthaya kingdom. The huge
maravijaya* Buddha image (height 19 m./width 20.17 m) in
the ordination hall, Luang Pho To (the big Buddha) or
Sampokong, is greatly revered not only by the Thais and
the Chinese-Thais but also by the Chinese from abroad.
This is because most worshippers have found that their
business and trading have become prosperous after paying
homage to Luang Pho To.
