4-legged Buddha statue draws infirm to Pattaya temple

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Pattaya area Buddhists afflicted with leg problems are finding solace in an unusual four-legged Lord Buddha statue at Bunyakanchanaram Temple.

The Marnvichai Lord Buddha statue is displayed in a tent on the grounds of the temple opposite Pattaya School No. 7 on Sukhumvit Road. Standing 1.6 meters tall, the figure has a two right legs overlapping two left legs. The Buddha is also posed at an unusual slight incline.

Monk Weerayuth Kantathummo said worshippers are calling the statute “Luang Pho See Kha,” or “provost with four legs.” He said he first saw the statue 13 years ago, but believes it is 50 years old.

Pattaya area Buddhists afflicted with leg problems are finding solace in an unusual four-legged Lord Buddha statue at Bunyakanchanaram Temple.Pattaya area Buddhists afflicted with leg problems are finding solace in an unusual four-legged Lord Buddha statue at Bunyakanchanaram Temple.

Legend has it that the Buddha statue was carved by a man suffering from terrible leg pain. While sleeping, he received a message from Buddha’s doctor, Komarabhacca, telling him to create the four-legged image. Once it was done, legend claims, the sculptor’s joint pain disappeared.

Today, the infirm pay respect to the four-legged Buddha by lighting three sticks of incense and praying for their own pain to be cured.