Wat Pa Lelai

THAILAND, Suphanburi

The exact date of construction of Wat Pa Lelai is unknown. According to the chronicles, the temple underwent renovation in 1163. It was renovated twice during the Ayutthaya Kingdom (circa 1350–1767) and once during the rule of King Rama IV (reigned 1851–1868), and is listed as a third class royal temple.
The principal building in the temple is the main hall, which has a single roof with five-tier eaves covered in red tiles. The walls are whitewashed and, apart from the pediment, there is minimal exterior decoration. The pediment is decorated with King Rama IV’s royal emblem, which is a crown of victory flanked by multi-tier canopies. A 23 m high seated statue of Sakyamuni Buddha, an image locally known as Luang Pho To, is enshrined within the hall. The Buddha sits with legs pendent, the left palm is placed on the left knee, while the right hand rests on the right knee with the palm facing upwards. The statue was created before 1163 and has been restored several times and, as a consequence, it appears to have acquired a combination of stylistic influences, such as Utong, Sukhothai, and Ayutthaya. This Buddha is highly revered by the people of Suphanburi.