Buddhists from across the country descended upon Rayong to contribute everything from jewels to cement to cast a new 12-meter-tall Lord Buddha statue for Dokkrai Temple.
Hundreds of people turned out Oct. 28, carrying a painting of the Buddha, gold, brass, jewels, steel and stones, all to be put in the head of the new statue, in a grand merit-making ceremony for the casting of Lord Buddha Somdet Ong Prathom, known as the “first Lord Buddha” statue.
Precious items collected are added to the statue.
The image is being cast both for the use of monks and to honor Their Majesties as upholders of Buddhism in Thailand.
Baideeka Kittisak Attakovito, abbot at Dokkrai Temple, said the donations are immense merit offerings since Buddhists traveled to the Rayong temple with items that have been preserved for many years.
When complete, the statue will stand 12 m. tall and its lap will measure 6.5 m. across.
Baideeka Kittisak Attakovito, abbot at Dokkrai Temple, collects precious items to put into the Buddha statue.
People form a bucket brigade to bring cement and precious items to be put on top of the new Buddha statue in Rayong.
