Lottery enthusiasts observe closely 'Lucky numbers' from the candle wax tears in the holy water basin at Wat Sawang Arom, Nakhon Pathom, closing the 9 temples' 99 sacred spheres ceremony, hoping to try their luck. For the 16 Mar 2026 lottery draw.
On 10 Mar 2026, reports stated that at Wat Sawang Arom, Khae Thao, Khun Kaeo Subdistrict, Nakhon Chai Si District, Nakhon Pathom, the afternoon of 9 Mar 2026 marked the final day of the 9 temples' 99 sacred spheres gold-leaf application event, which were given to poor temples in nine remote provinces. Devotees flocked in large numbers to apply gold leaf onto the sacred spheres.
In addition, Luang Pho Pae held a ceremony to bless devotees attending the final day of the gold-leaf application. There was a worship ritual for sacred entities such as Phra Ngern Phra Thong, the warrior deity Guan Yu, five sacred Buddha statues, and the giant guardian deity Thao Thep Phanasun. Free talisman cloths of Thao Wessuwan were distributed. Those donating 100 baht to the temple received a sacred amulet made from recycled beverage cans, consecrated in a major blessing ceremony at Wat Sawang Arom.
Most notably, Luang Pho Pae performed the Sun-Moon-Rahu holy water bathing ritual. This holy water, consecrated during chanting ceremonies in the ordination hall from the event's start to finish, was sprinkled and used to bathe devotees. Many people who heard the news lined up in long queues, stretching 200-300 meters, believing this holy water is powerful and can protect from harm, bring prosperity in work, and attract good fortune.
The ceremony began in the afternoon with Luang Pho Pae announcing the worship ritual before closing the gold-leaf application event. Devotees gathered around the giant sacred sphere with the guardian deity Thao Thep Phanasun statue in front. Flowers, incense, candles, and garlands were offered during the worship. Luang Pho Pae led the closing prayers, then devotees lit incense sticks to request blessings and offered garlands. Afterwards, the holy water from the ordination hall was prepared at the back of the ceremonial pavilion. Candles were lit around the basin's edge, allowing candle wax tears to drip into the basin. Sacred entities from Wat Sawang Arom and the nine recipient temples were invoked to join the ceremony. Devotees lined up to receive the holy water bathing until the ritual concluded.
The reporter also noted that before the holy water bathing ritual, after Luang Pho Pae extinguished the victory candle around the basin, lottery hopefuls crowded to observe the candle wax tears. Luang Pho Pae allowed photography of the basin for 10 minutes. Afterwards, the holy water from the basin was poured to bathe devotees until the ritual ended.
Mr. Payom Sampanta, 56, from Nonthaburi, who came to apply gold leaf, said it was a blessing to attend the 9 temples' 99 sacred spheres event. He considered the holy water bathing by Luang Pho Pae in the ordination hall extremely auspicious. Joining in merit with the nine temples, it was a great fortune. Noticing lottery hopefuls photographing the basin, he took the chance to take pictures himself, as he also enjoys gambling. Upon reviewing the images, he saw candle wax tears forming the numbers 9, 7, 2, and 0, though others might see different numbers. He plans to use these numbers to try his luck, hoping for a big win, and intends to return to make merit with Luang Pho Pae again.