Visiting Shrines on Holidays - Paying Respects at Phatthalung City Pillar Shrine for Auspicious Blessings

During every important festival, such as New Year's Day, Songkran, or regular weekends, the Phatthalung City Pillar Shrine at Khuan Prong Temple, Moo 2, Tha Miram Subdistrict, Mueang District, Phatthalung Province, is bustling with activity from morning to evening. People and spiritual enthusiasts from both local and outside areas travel to pay respects to the city pillar, seeking blessings according to long-standing traditions. Visitors bring various offerings such as flowers, incense, candles, bananas, red water, lamp oil, and colorful fabrics to present at the city pillar, performing personal spiritual rituals. The belief is that visiting the city pillar shrine at the beginning of the year will help open up one's life fortune, enhance career and financial stability, promote progress, and provide protection throughout the year. The Phatthalung City Pillar Shrine was created through the strong faith of Phatthalung residents and the public, who collectively donated over 12 million baht for its construction. National Artist in Architecture Phinyo Suwankiri was commissioned to design the shrine, with construction beginning on June 18, 2010, at Khuan Prong Temple. According to historical records, the tradition of creating city pillars dates back to the Sukhothai, Ayutthaya, Thonburi, and Rattanakosin periods. City pillars were traditionally built as a spiritual center, symbolizing the heart of the community and believed to be protected by guardian spirits. The shrine officially opened on November 28, 2020, with Their Majesties King Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida presiding over the ceremony. Located on a beautiful elevated area at Khuan Prong Temple, the shrine reflects local cultural and artistic heritage.