Come Together to Worship the Great Buddha at Wat Muang - An Important Buddhist Statue in Ang Thong

Despite being a modern outdoor Buddha statue, its grandeur and magnificence are a testament to the collective devotion and dedication of faithful supporters who invested both financial resources and physical labor over 16 years to successfully complete their vision. The 'Buddha Maha Navamindra Sakya Muni Sri Wiset Chai Charn', commonly known as the 'Great Buddha', is a significant outdoor Buddha statue deeply revered by the people of Ang Thong. Special recognition must be given to Phra Khru Viboon Arjak Khun (Luang Por Kasem Ajaro Supho), the first abbot who pioneered the restoration of this abandoned temple and initiated the creation of the Great Buddha as a monument to the temple's and Buddhist religion's greatness. Wat Muang is located in Ban Hua Taphaan, Hua Taphaan Sub-district, Wiset Chai Charn District, Ang Thong Province. Originally an abandoned temple presumed to be from the late Ayutthaya period, it was once a prosperous frontier town. After Ayutthaya fell to the Burmese in 1767, the Burmese burned many towns, temples, and Buddhist statues, leaving only ruins and large trees covering the area. On December 8, 1982, Phra Khru Viboon Arjak Khun arrived and established a meditation site, finding it peaceful for spiritual practice. During meditation, he had a vision of 'Luang Phu Khao and Luang Phu Daeng' instructing him to rebuild Wat Muang, believing he had the spiritual power to do so.