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#culturetrip Wat Phanan Choeng is a temple with a long history, having been constructed before the founding of Ayutthaya. There is no clear evidence of its construction. According to the Northern Chronicles, King Sai Nam Phueng built the temple and named it Wat Chao Phra Nang Choeng. The Luang Prasert Aksornniti version of the Ayutthaya Chronicles states that the Phra Phuttha Chao Phanan Choeng image was erected in 1324 CE, 26 years before King U Thong established Ayutthaya.
Phra Phuttha Trairattanayok, also known as Luang Pho Sam Po Kong, is the largest Buddha image in Ayutthaya. Measuring over 20 meters wide and 19 meters high, this stucco image, sculpted in the Mara-Vijaya posture, suffered damage during the fall of Ayutthaya, but was continually restored. During the reign of King Rama IV of the Rattanakosin Era in 1851 CE, the image was completely renovated. He was given a new name, Phra Phuttha Trairattanayok, or as it is known among Thai-Chinese Buddhists, Luang Pho Sam Pok Kong. [Citation needed] The word "Phanang Choeng" means "sitting cross-legged." Therefore, the term "Wat Phanan Choeng" (Wat Phra Naeng Choeng or Wat Phra Chao Phanang Choeng) refers to the temple housing the seated Buddha image in the Mara-Vijaya posture, namely, Luang Pho To, or Phra Phuttha Trairattanayok. It may also stem from the legend of Nang Soi Dok Mak: when Nang Soi Dok Mak held her breath and died, she probably sat cross-legged. The Chinese prefer sitting cross-legged rather than folded legs, which is why the temple's name was used. Some also call it "Wat Phra Nang Ao Choeng," referring to the cause of her death. Therefore, if the name of the temple is based on the meaning of the word, "Wat Phanan Choeng," it would refer to the temple housing the seated Buddha image, namely, Luang Pho To.
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