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Suthewa Hermit

Suthewa Hermit

Monument of Suthewa hermitThis monument, previously situated in front of Lumpoon town hall, has been moved to Doiti, Pa Sak, Muang District, next to Super Highway Street directly leading to Lumpoon. You can find a lot of trees around monuments, making it be a comfortable and peaceful place. There are also other religious sites nearby that you can visit, i.e. Krubasrivichai or Narunart hermit monuments, devoted to the creator of the famous “Phra rod”.According to some important historical chronicles, Suthewa hermitwas well-known as a founderof Hariphunchai city. The legend states that there were a group of five best friends: Wasuthep, Sukkatunda, Anusis, Bhuddachalin and Suprom. When they grew up, all of them enter to Buddhist priesthood, before becoming hermits and practicing separately. Suthewa hermit prayed at DoiSuthep. Subsequently, he discussed with Sukkathanta hermit of Lawo that he would like to build a city on a strategically adequate area according to Hindu belief; the area within the city Wall tilted to the city moat. When he found it, he conscribed Mengkabutr people with Mon origin for the construction and denominate this city as “Hariphunchai” or currently known as”Lumpoon”. As a priest he couldn’t participate in politics, he didn’t ascend to the throne but instead he ordered Kawaya and his 500 followers to invite Chamadewi, a daughter of Chatkawat King of Lawo to govern the city. Later, he also assisted her in many issues including establishing Buddhism as a main religion in Hariphunchai. If you are interested in visiting this monument, it is opened daily from 8.00-17.00.