Description
Wat Nong Daeng (วัดหนองแดง) is a rural temple in Sakon Nakhon, located not far from the downtown, and only 3 minutes from Wat Kham Thao Don Mu. One thing this temple is noted for is its odd looking animal statues, who no one we have talked to have been able to identity. They kind of look like a cross between a short-legged horse and a llama, and are scattered around the temple grounds with several statues of hermit monks who are called Phra Lersi (พระฤาษี ), also spelled Phra Reusi.
There are many hermit monks that Thais pay homage to at Sakon Nakhon temples, the most prominent being Phra Lersi Ta Fai, Phra Lersi Narod, Phra Lersi Phromprasit, Phra Lersi Phromprathan, and Phra Lersi Phromparamet. It is hard to identify which Phra Lersi a statue is representing (unless it is labeled). But a couple general characteristics that signify Phra Lersi hermit monks are pointy ears, a pointy beard, hair tied up in a tall bun, and animals skin robes. However, not all statues have these characteristics. The only one that all share is the beard. These statues are most often placed in woodsy settings or in a cave.
Phra Lersi is believed to bring good luck, prosperity, and safety to people's lives, as well as grant wishes. This is why you will also see his image placed upon Thai amulets, which are worn or placed in cars or homes in Thailand.
As you leave Wat Nong Daeng, you'll notice in the archway the year 2539, which converts to 1996 in the Western calendar. That is the date when the temple archway was built, and it could also mean the year the temple was established. As demonstrated in this example, if you would like to convert a Thai year to an English year (Gregorian Calendar), subtract 543 years.
