Description
Wat Huai Yang (วัดห้วยยาง) is the most prominent temple in the sub-district (tambon) of Huai Yang in Sakon Nakhon, Thailand. One interesting thing about this village temple us that it has a statue of Somdej Ong Pathom (สมเด็จองค์ปฐม), who according to one Thai legend is the first Buddha. The story of Somdej Ong Pathom comes from the hermit monk Luang Phor Lersi Lingdam (หลวงพ่อฤาษีลิงดำ) of Wat Tha Sung in Uthai Thani, a very old temple that is famous for its roof made of mirrors and crystals.
LP Lersi Lingdam learned of Somdej Ong Pathom in a vision, and had conversations with the first Buddha. Afterwards, he honored the vision with a statue of Somdej Ong Pathom — carefully instructing the craftsmen to detail the face (with full cheeks and a hint of a smile) so as to match the likeness of the Buddha he had seen.
You will see Somdej Ong Pathom depicted on amulets and figurines (especially in Northern Thailand), but it is not common to see a full sized statue of him at a temple in Northeast Thailand. At Wat Huai Yang, his statue is accompanied with signage that shows a incantation/prayer which worshipers can recite to receive Somdej Ong Pathom's blessing and protection.
Wat Huai Yang also has a beautiful double Buddha statue, topped with a royal parasol, which was recently built, and a charming, old wood Viharn where the monks deliver sermons and life advice to the villagers. The ornate entrance to the temple is quite striking with five spires and a trio of Buddhas. It is located about 20 minutes southwest of downtown Sakon Nakhon, and only a kilometer or two away from Wat Somyot Charoen Tham and Wat Chanwannaram, respectively.
