Phra Phutta Sihing (พระพุทธสิหิงค์)

Thai. Name of an ancient Buddha image in Singhalese style, cast in 1243 AD by the orders of King Sihala (สีหฬะ) of Langka. According to one legend, it was brought to Thailand by Poh Khun Ramkamhaeng of Sukhothai and was placed in Wat Phra Singh Woramahawihaan (fig.) in Chiang Mai, in 1367. However, another story relates that it was brought to Thailand by Phra Chao Chantraphanu (จันทรภาณุ) of Nakhon Sri Thammarat and was placed in Wat Mahathat Wora Maha Wihaan. Today there are three Buddha statues in Thailand, that are claimed to be the Phra Phutta Sihing. Two of them are housed in the aforementioned temples, the third one in Phra Thihnang Phutthaisawan in the National Museum, in Bangkok (map - fig.). The one from Chiang Mai is also referred to as Phra Singh (fig.), i.e. the ‘Lion Buddha’ and is housed in Wat Phra Singh's wihaan which is known as Wihaan Laai Kham (วิหารลายคำ), i.e. the ‘Sermon Hall of Word Patterns’. In English, Phra Phutta Sihing is usually called Phra Buddha Sihing. See also MAP, EXPLORER'S MAP (1) and (2), and WATCH VIDEO (1) and (2). 回