Phrathat Pu Chae

Wat Phra That Pu Chae is situated at Ban Bun Roeng, Mu 4, Ban Viang Sub-District, Rong Kwang District, Prae Province. Department of Fine Art has registered this place as national ancient remain. Phra That Pu Chae is located in a square pagoda. Each side of the pagoda is 4 meters long and 4 meters tall. It contains the right ankle bone of Buddha. It is the important ancient remain in Prae. It was established many centuries ago and many kings have been repaired regularly. The ceremony of praying to Phra That Pu Chae is held every year on the 11th-15th day of the waxing moon in the March (the 5th northern month).The story of Phra That Pu Chae began when Bodhisattva was born as a golden hog deer and was followed by a hunter. When it traveled here, he had been unable to urine for 3 days and then died. The northen dialect for the symptom of being unable to urine is Puat Chi. When Bodhisattva was born as Buddha, he came to teach karma to people in Doi Muang Kham (Muang District of Payao Province) and then visit this place again and smile. Ananda Monk therefore asked him what had happened here and Buddha told him the story. Ananda Monk then told Buddha that this place is worth to be a sacred place for Buddhists in the future. Buddha therefore gave him his hair. At that moment, Indra created a casket to contain his hair and put it in the mountain. Later, Phra That Pu Chae was built for Buddhists.Visiting Phra That Pu Chae is not difficult. From Prae city, go on the main road that leads to Nan Province and then turn right at Cho Ko Mae Lai (the entrance to Phae Mueaung Phi). Then go ahead and you will see the sign to Phra That Pu Chae, follow the directions.