Ancient Buddha Image Discovered at Buriram Temple
Villagers in Buriram Province discovered an ancient Buddha image believed to be nearly 250 years old while cleaning an abandoned ordination hall at Wat Sirisukaram temple, though archaeologists must verify its late Ayutthaya period origins.
Villagers have flocked to pay respects to an ancient Buddha image believed to be nearly 250 years old after locals opened an abandoned ordination hall at Wat Sirisukaram in Chalermphra Giarti District, Buriram Province for cleaning. The main Buddha statue, thought to date from the late Ayutthaya period, is awaiting archaeological verification to officially confirm its age and era.
The discovery gained widespread attention after a Facebook user posted about the historic temple in Thawon Subdistrict, drawing history enthusiasts and devotees to visit and venerate the image. Wat Sirisukaram, located in Nong Pruea Village, Thawon Subdistrict, is an ancient temple with a long history according to local accounts, particularly its main Buddha image in the old ordination hall, which has been revered by villagers for generations.
The ordination hall had been closed and unused for many years before villagers came together to clean and restore the surrounding area. During the restoration, they discovered the old Buddha image enshrined inside, which surprised many due to its age and the belief that it may be a bronze Buddha statue created during the late Ayutthaya period.
Some villagers reported having seen the ordination hall and main Buddha image since childhood, with their parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents also witnessing the temple from birth. Though the exact age cannot be determined with certainty, all hold deep reverence for the image, believing it has been part of their community for a very long time.
Srimuan Jongkrajom, a 44-year-old local resident, explained that the temple previously had only one resident monk, whom villagers helped maintain. When a new temple was built nearby, devotees gradually shifted their alms-giving there. After the former resident monk passed away, only an elderly monk named Luang Ta Riab now resides at the temple.
The old ordination hall remained closed for many years until villagers collectively decided to open it for cleaning, discovering the ancient Buddha image inside. This has generated increased interest, with more visitors coming to pay respects. Locals believe the Buddha image is very old, possibly created during the late Ayutthaya period.
Preliminary assessment suggests the image may represent late Ayutthaya artistic style, dating to Buddhist centuries 23-24, approximately 1629-1868 CE. If confirmed, it would represent an archaeologically and culturally significant artifact for the community. However, the age and era remain speculative based on oral accounts and general appearance alone. Official verification from archaeology and art experts is necessary to formally confirm the image's age, period, and historical value.
Meanwhile, local residents continue caring for the ordination hall and Buddha image, welcoming interested visitors to pay respects and view the ancient work, hoping it will eventually be recognized and preserved as a cultural heritage of the community.
