This striking
Buddha statue is visible as soon as one enters the Phutthawaat. A local legend connects the temple to a revered Buddha statue named
Luang PhoMaha Samut, which translates to ‘Buddha Statue from the Ocean’.
Wat
Sri Sunthon
Wat
Sri Sunthon
According to the
story, a
Muslim merchant, during a
storm at sea, vowed to convert to
Buddhism if saved. A
cashew nut tree branch
appeared, allowing him to survive and wash ashore
near the present temple site.
True to his vow, the merchant converted, ordained as a monk, and built the temple. The cashew branch that saved him was carved into a Buddha image that became known as Luang Pho Maha Samut.