Phra Borommathat Sawi

Location https://maps.app.goo.gl/BJvUCHwGipp9UiR4A

Phra Borommathat Sawi (Sawi Grand Pagoda) is found within Wat Phra That Sawi 37km south of Chumphon town. Take Highway 41 for 36km. At the bridge across the Sawi river take the U turn and head north for 500m, taking the first road to the left.

1km along this road the temple is on the left.

The temple is located on the bank of the Sawi River and is known for its 30m high bell-shaped chedi, which is believed to contain relics of the Buddha. The chedi is decorated with lotus-shaped stucco, 7-tiered circular disks, and a dew-shaped peak..

The pagoda is within a walled courtyard.

Placed around the wall are 110 Buddha images.

Recently all the Buddha images were painted black for they used to be the normal gold colour.

Legend has it that when King Sri Thammasokarat (King of Nakhon Si Thammarat) passed Sawi with his army in 1260, he saw a flock of crows on a brick mound. One of the crows was white. The King interpreted this as a good omen and immediately ordered the mound's excavation. Workers found an urn containing relics of the Buddha beneath the mound. Overwhelmed with faith, the King ordered the construction of a pagoda to enshrine the relics.

Due to dilapidation the Pagoda was reconstructed in 1916. And more recently in 2016 the whole area was refurbished with new buildings added. The grounds are extremely well kept.

Each year on Asalha Puja Day (full moon in July) the robe rapped around the pagoda is replaced. This is a big event and well attended by the local community.

Our family was involved in 2018 - https://photos.app.goo.gl/8mXkyu9bdaNSLmoa7

The Sawi River flows beside Phra Borommathat. Two ornate bridges cross the river allowing you to see the pagoda from the opposite bank.

Being close to the river does present a problem during the rainy season where following heavy rain the whole area can be flooded around the pagoda. This was in December 2021

And again in December 2023.