“Phichit River” Buddhist Temples: Travel Routes in Phichit Province

Abstract

The objectives of this research article were 1) to study the story of the Phichit River; 2) to analyze the myths and the role of legend; and 3) to propose patterns and routes of Buddhist temple tourism related to the myths and legends of the Phichit River Basin people. It was a qualitative research consisting of in-depth interviews, focus group discussion with 15 key informants. checking the triangular data on how to collect data, analyzing content and explaining in a descriptive way were used. The results of the research revealed that 1) the temple had terrain adjacent to the road and the Phichit River which had legends, stories, such as Wat Nakhon Chum, an old temple about 800 years old, Phichit Old City Park, Phraya Khodtrabong, City Pillar Shrine, Wat Mahathat, Chalawan Cave, Sri Mala island, Wat Pho Prathap Chang, Phra Buddhachao Sua, Luang Pho Toh or Luang Pho Yim. Wat Tha Bua had Luang Pho Ngoen's Lan Dhamma Forest Park. Vihara of Luang Pho Chuen was built with the only laterite brick in Phichit; 2) stories from villagers/non-compassion had two dimensions, namely, the transfer of Luang Pho Phet from Wat Nakhon Chum to be enshrined at Wat Tha Luang. But the people in the community gathered together to build Luang Pho Phet and a replica of the chapel at Wat Nakhon Chum. Villagers and Wat Pho Prathap Chang performed Sanghakamma, religious ceremonies, ordination ceremonies in Buddhist chapel (ancient site). Wat Tha Bua used laterite as a Vihara. Economically, the selling point of Wat Nakhon Chum was an old temple that was magical in architecture. Wat Pho Prathap Chang had an Alexandrine Parakeet, cruise festival for watching fireflies. Wat Tha Bua had Loi Krathong tradition and; 3) historical and religious tourism through the Phichit River and secondary roads such as Phichit Railway Station, Wat Tha Luang Bueng Si Fai, the old city, Wat Nakhon Chum, Wat Pho Prathap Chang to see a pomelo orchard, visit the riverside lifestyle, visit Wat Tha Bua, pay homage to Luang Pho Ngern of Wat Bang Khlan and see the confluence of the Phichit and Yom rivers.