" Pak Nam Pho in Nakhon Sawan, a city filled with divine beings and heavenly abodes such as Himmapan Road, Vimanman Road, which refer to the dwellings of angels, and Matulee Road,named after the deity who serves as the charioteer of Indra. One can't help but wonder if we are truly in heaven, as not only the street names but also shops and food establishments all incorporate the names of deities.
In the past, Pak Nam Pho in Nakhon Sawan experienced a major epidemic that led to the tradition of the "Parade of the Lords and Ladies of Pak Nam Pho," believed to have helped this heavenly city survive calamity, including the mysterious famous legend of the "Monk Who Ate Novices" at Wat Khao Kob.Lok Walk in this episode, invites everyone to walk and listen to the stories of Pak Nam Pho through its people, food, and historic sites.
The people of Pak Nam Pho hold a strong belief in their local deities, which has evolved into the tradition of the Parade of the Lords and Ladies of Pak Nam Pho.
Over a hundred years ago, a plague spread throughout Pak Nam Pho, causing many deaths and widespread fear. People turned to the sacred power of the deities through the mediums of Lord Theparak. They created Chinese-style talismans, called 'hu,' which villagers kept at home; some burned these talismans and mixed the ashes into drinking water. Afterward, people began to recover, and the epidemic subsided.
This led to the parade of the lords and ladies of Pak Nam Pho, which became a tradition of faith passed down through generations. Some believe the parade drives away evil spirits.
Another legend of Nakhon Sawan, told in many versions, is the story of the "Monk Who Ate Novices" at Wat Woranat Banphot, also known as Wat Khao Kob, in Nakhon Sawan province.
The legend of the "Monk Who Ate Novices" or "Reclining Monk Who Ate Novices" is a famous and intriguing tale of Wat Woranat Banphot (Wat Khao Kob) in Nakhon Sawan province. It dates back over a hundred years to when Luang Pho Thong was the abbot. Villagers brought their children to ordain as novices with him for education.
The legend involves a standing Buddha statue housed in the temple's old ordination hall. It is said that novices mysteriously disappeared one by one.
During that time, the monk in charge noticed torn robes stuck in the mouth of the Buddha statue, and that the statue was gradually growing larger. One day, the standing Buddha had transformed into a reclining pose, lying on its side and larger than three people. This event caused fear and alarm among the temple community. Subsequently, the temple closed the gates, fenced off the area, and set guards. Since then, no novices have disappeared.
This legend is part of local belief and folklore passed down through generations. Although there is no scientific evidence, it remains widely talked about and of interest. Visitors can explore Wat Woranat Banphot to experience the atmosphere and learn about this legend.
Additionally, Wat Khao Kob offers a vantage point to see views of Nakhon Sawan like never before.In exchange forclimbing over 400 steps, visitors are rewarded with panoramic views of Nakhon Sawan province stretching to the horizon, as if the scene before them is a living image from the past continuing to move, even without an observer.Lookingon,
this Lok Walk episode invites everyone to walk and deeply explore the stories of Pak Nam Pho, Nakhon Sawan. Stay tuned to find out where the next Lok Walk will take us. The program airs every Tuesday, except some Tuesdays, at 7:00 p.m. on YT: Thairath Studio