BANGKOK, 25 May 2012 -The Thai Health Promotion Foundation and the Sathira-Dhammasathan Center have brought the statue of Budhhayantee Nalanda from India to Sanam Luang on the occasion of Vesak Day and the 2,600th anniversary of the Lord Buddha’s enlightenment.
The statute is situated at Sanam Luang, opposite from the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, for Thai Buddhists to pay respect. According to the news, the statue, however, is a duplication of the large one in India.
Mae Chee Sansanee Sthirasuta, a Buddhist nun, is the founder and Director of Sathira-Dhammasathan Center and Thai Health Promotion Vice Chairman of Governing Board Dr. Udomsil Srisangnam said in their joint statement that this is an opportunity for Buddhists to practice Dhamma to increase their blessings.
It has been reported that during the ceremony, there was a rainbow around the sun, which according to Thai belief is divine phenomenon. The statute is in a mediation pose and was carved from a black rock. It is 1,000 years old and has survived demolition intact. The general public is allowed to pay respect from today until June 4th.
