Top

Pho Ta Hin Chang Shrine

Pho Ta Hin Chang Shrine

Pho Ta Hin Chang Shrine is a sacred shrine worshipped not only by people in Chumphon Province but also people from across the country for a long time. The shrine houses Ganesha, one of the well-known deities in Hinduism. Located on Phetkasem Road, the shrine is believed to bless those passers-by a safe trip, so honking is usually heard here as a sign of paying respect. Besides honking, the sound of firecrackers is well commonly heard because it is used as an offering to redeem the vow.Also Known as Pho Sri HariMongkol Shrine, Pho Ta Hin Chang Shrine houses a sacred stone deity in the shape of eleven-headed elephant. Near the shrine stand souvenir stores in which offer visitors the delicacy of AmphoeThaSae, banana products.The history of the shrine is that around 1952, there were six Mon Thai families moving into houses near the foot of Pho Ta Hin Chang hill and earning their livings by farming. The Mon people were strictly religious; hence, they had built a shelter for monks to conduct religious ceremonies and offered the monks to reside there.Shortly after that, the government had a road built in that area. When the road construction reached the foot of the hill, there was a rock, not too big, blocking the way. The construction workers had tried countless times to remove the rock so that they could continue building the road, but nothing did work. The people living nearby advised the construction workers to pray to the spirit. They did not believe at first; the rock was still there until they prayed. Thus, the shrine was built as an offering to the spirit. The Pho Ta Hin Chang Shrine is located next to a small hill on Phetkasem Road at Km 453.