It is characterized by the Buddha seated on a stone block (sometimes with feet dangling), attended by the royal elephant Palilai offering a water container and monkeys presenting honeycombs. It is based on the Buddha’s biography when he spent the rainy retreat in the forest and was served by animals (the posture associated with Wednesday night).
It is commonly crafted as a crowned Buddha (wearing royal regalia), featuring distinctive U-Thong and late Ayutthaya style art, such as the principal Buddha image at Pa Lailai Temple in Suphanburi, which is revered as the city’s guardian image.
Key characteristics of the Pa Lailai posture Buddha statue
* Posture: Seated on a stone block, sometimes with both feet dangling (dangling feet posture).
* Components: Includes a crouching elephant holding a water container with its trunk and monkeys offering honeycombs beside the Buddha.
* Ayutthaya period art style:
* Commonly made as a crowned Buddha (with large or small royal attire), especially in late Ayutthaya period.
* Features a blend of U-Thong artistic elements, such as the Luang Pho To image at Pa Lailai Temple.
* Meaning: Symbolizes peace, loving-kindness, compassion, and harmony with nature.
* Worship: It is the principal Buddha image for Wednesday night (18:00 - 06:00).
Famous Buddha statues in the Pa Lailai posture
* Luang Pho To of Pa Lailai Worawihan Temple, Suphanburi Province: a large statue over 23 meters tall, representing early U-Thong style art.
