Wat Bang Phra - วัดบางพระ

The early morning sun has just announced its arrival, and people from all over Thailand are patiently lining up, waiting for the ceremony to start. The air is filled with anticipation, excitement, and reverence. The transformation has begun, and groups of devotees are bursting with renewed energy after entering the spiritual possession known as "Khong Khuen." Afterwards, people scatter across the temple, near the various ajahns(teacher), waiting to get tattooed. The atmosphere is tense but welcoming, and time is spent enjoying snacks, colorful sugary drinks, and cigarettes, which also play an important role as part of the offering.

Wat Bang Phra is situated on the banks of the Bang Phra River in the Nakhon Pathom province just outside of Bangkok. The temple is famous for its Sak Yant tattoo tradition, which is practiced by the monks living there. Traditionally, they were only given to soldiers or people with particularly dangerous jobs as a symbol of strength and protection. The design of the tattoo is chosen by the ajahn based on the individual's desires and wishes. In order for the tattoo to retain its divine power, the wearer must follow a series of rules and moral vows called “Khoi Harm”. The yant must also be reactivated once a year. This is why thousands of people gather every year at the temple for the Sak Yant Wai Kru Festival.

The temple is also known as the “Tiger Temple" because of the monk Luang Phor Pern. He was ordained at the age of 25 at Wat Bang Phra. After this, he started his “tudong” or pilgrimage in the jungle of the Kanchanaburi province bordering Burma. There he was accompanied by a large tiger that protected him throughout his journeys. He was therefore able to protect the local villagers from the wild tigers by offering them sacred tattoos and amulets.