The replica of Buddha Footprint

The replica of Buddha Footprint in Wern Pla is located at Phra Bat Wern Pla Temple, in Wern Pla Village, Wern Phra Bat sub-district, Ta Uten district. The replica is found on the small rock near the Khong River, 100 meters away from the shore in the North West direction. The footprint is 30 meters wide, 50 meters long and 1 meter high. The place is called Don Phra Bat. The small rock with replica footprint is 2-10 meters long and 2 meters above the water. The human footprints are found on the top of the rock; the upper print is 55 centimeters wide and 2.05 meters long and the lower one is flat with a circle in the middle and 5 toes with the thumb at the lowest. The replica of Buddha footprints are seen most clearly during April. Wern Pla District Administrative Organization and local people built the wooden bridge from the shore to the middle part of the Khong River to make it easier for visitors to come and pay homage to the replica of Buddha footprint. History “Wern Pla replica of Buddha Footprint” was recorded in the ancient palm leaf manuscripts carrying Buddhist scriptures during when the first Phra That Phanom was created in 8 B.E. or 2,500 years ago. When Buddha taught Dharma around India along the Khong River, Kings of Nagas living in nether world transformed themselves into human and invited Buddha to come and teach them in the nether world. Before Buddha left, they asked for something that would protect them Buddha then left his footprints on the small rock called “Wern Pla Replica of Buddha Footprints”. When it is rainy season, the water will cover the rock; it then becomes sacred place for living things underworld. Then when it is a dry season, the rock will come up where Thai-Laotian people can come and pay respect during March-April. The replica of Buddha foortprints is located near whirlpool area which is why it is called “Wern” and since it is where kings of Nagas live, it is then called “Wern Pla”. Wern Pla Replica of Buddha Footprints is 100 meters away from the shore and 200 meters away from Wat Phra Bat Wern Pla. Those who want to visit the place can travel by boat. During the month of January-May and during Songkran Day each year, there is a ceremony worshipping Wern Pla Replica of Buddha Footprints. Activities include giving water to the footprints, pouring water on senior’s hand and reconstructing bridge to the Khong River. Direction Wern Pla Replica of Buddha Footprints is 15 kilometers away from Nakhon Pahnom district. Take the highway 212 (Ta Uten-Ban Paeng) and continue for another 15 kilometers through Ban Wern Phra Bat School (Left side). Continue for another 100 meters. The entrance is on the right. Continue for another 2 kilometers and turn right to Wern Pla Replica of Buddha Footprints Temple. When leaving, turn right to the highway 212 (Ta Uten-Ban Paeng) for another 5 kilometers. Turn right to the road long the Khong River. You can visit Phra Bang at Wat Trai Poom and continue for another 600 meters until reaching Ta Uten Temple for those who are born on Friday. For more information, please contact The Tourism Authority of Thailand in Nakhon Phanom. Tel. 042-513490-1 It is open every day from 08.30-16.30 or visit www.tatsanuk.blogspot.com