Beliefs, Images, and Roles of Chao Pho Phra Prong Shrine in Nong Phuk Tao Community, Mueang Sa Kaeo District, Sa Kaeo Province

Abstract

             The purpose of this study was to examine the establishment and development of Chao Pho Phra Prong Shrine, beliefs, and roles of Chao Pho Phra Prong in the community. Qualitative research techniques included observation, photo recording, in-depth interviews, and discussions. The participants were nine people involved in establishment and development who came to worship, along with involved villagers. The data were analyzed and synthesized by descriptive analysis.

            The results were as follows: 1) they did not reveal who was the original founder of Chao Pho Phra Prong Shrine. The shrine was found the first time as only small pieces of wood, like a shrine, located on the ground under a large tree along Phra Prong River, Moo 9, Ban Kang, Sa Kaeo district, Prachin Buri. The villagers who farmed in that area worshiped and wished the shrine to bless them for bountifulness of their farms. When their desires were fulfilled, they brought pig’s head and white wine (Thai spirit) as a sacrifice and worship. Later on, during the construction of Wat Wihan Tham (Ban Nong Phuk Tao)’s sermon hall, there was a lack of funds to buy zinc roof sheets. The villagers then had the idea of organizing a traditional festival for funds to develop the temple. Mr. Samai Chantawong, a community leader, led the villagers to set up the ceremony in front of his house, at the intersection of Suwannasorn road no. 33 (Kilometer digit 227, old road) and on April 12, 1964, in the afternoon, they invited the image of Chao Pho Phra Prong to worship in the religious ceremony for the villagers and passersby to make wishes and sprinkle water during Songkran festival to bring prosperity to life and family on April 13–15, 1964, for three days and nights, as a continuing tradition. In 1974, the new Suwannasorn road was opened and another shrine of Chao Pho Phra Prong was established at Phra Prong River, Suwannasorn Road, kilometer digit no. 226, on the boundary of Prachin Buri province and Sa Kaeo province. Later on, it became a Wan Lai tradition of Sa Kaeo province, from the Songkran festival until now, according to the three beliefs regarding the image of Chao Pho Phra Prong, including protection from dangers in life and to family, for safe travel and prevention of accidents, and to succeed and fulfill career wishes. There were four roles in the community, including 1) the center of mind and the spiritual anchor of villagers and believers; 2) the learning center of local wisdom and cultural heritage, of using “Dan” as the family name; 3) the value of local wisdom as cultural heritage; and 4) the growth of the household economy and tourism promotion in Sa Kaeo province.