Wat Traiphum

Crafted in the ornate Lopburi style, Phra Buddha Maha Thammaracha is said to have been found by the city’s inhabitants in the Pa Sak river and brought ashore to rest on an altar within the monastery. One day the image disappeared from the temple and was then seen again in the river and once again brought ashore.

As a result, an interesting annual celebration has evolved around the legend with the Buddha image paraded through the city until arriving at the spot where it was originally found and then the provincial governor carrying it into the water. This is part of the Sart festival of Petchabun (usually in September), which is believed to protect the inhabitants of the city.

Unfortunately, the temple buildings are usually locked so it’s not possible to see this image, and other buildings in the temple compound are very ordinary.