Wat Ketu Madi Sri Warahrahm (วัดเกตุมดีศรีวราราม)

Thai. Name of a Buddhist temple in Samut Sakon, which was built in 1963 AD and claims to have the tallest wihaan, i.e. the sermon or prayer hall (fig.), in the nation. Its immense dimensions are best appreciated from the inside, where life-sized statues of monks and Buddha images stand lined up in rows holding alms bowls, which allows visitors to view the building's height in some perspective. In the back are three Buddha images seated in the maravijaya pose. The principal image, which here is also the largest one, is seated on a lotus pedestal and in front of a structure called reuan kaew, i.e. ‘crystal palace’, and is an imitation of the Phraphutta Chinnarat image from Wat Phra Sri Rattanamahathat in Phitsanulok (fig.). The rows of life-sized statues of monks and Buddha images with alms bowls are 108 in total, symbolizing the 108 auspicious signs of a buddha, and are used for tamboon sai baat, i.e. the offering of small coins in alms bowls lined up in long rows, in order to make merit (fig.). At the back of the wihaan is a phra chedi which has been enclosed by a newer and modern exoskeleton that has been built as a fresh Lama-style stupa, complete with Wisdom Eyes (fig.), over the original pagoda. See also PANORAMA PICTURE and MAP. 回