Pattani City Pillar Shrine

Pattani City pillar shrineThe Pattani City pillar shrine is a place of worship built according to Brahmanism-Hinduism. Symbolically, the pillar is believed to ensure the city’s stability and prosperity. Although nowadays there are no Hindus in Pattani, some Brahma-Hindu beliefs and ceremonies can still be found in the province. The shrine is located in Benchamarachutit School’s Sak Seni Field, opposite to the city hall, on the left side of the Pattani River. Approved by Phraya Rattanaphakdi, then provincial governor and Phrom Chukhae, then Mueng Pattani District governor, the construction began at 9:28 on 13 May 1951, which was an auspicious day selected by the then Supreme Patriarch, Yoo Nanodayo of Wat Saket. Believed to provide the stability of the city, the pillar shrine is a place of worship held in high esteem by citizens. In addition, it serves as the symbol of the city governor and the residents’ declaration that they will sustain the city’s prosperity. In 2008, Benchamarachutit School gave the land around the shrine which was previously in the school’s possession to the provincial government so that it became under the auspices of the provincial government. Then the areas around the shrine underwent renovation initiated by Phanu Uthairat, provincial governor. The opening ceremony of the shrine was held once again at 9:29 on Thursday 28 August 2008 after the renovation. The shrine is, so to speak, one of the province’s landmarks and is also held in high esteem by the people of Pattani. Both local and foreign visitors often come here to pay respect to the pillar in order to improve their luck.