Isaan Village Temple and Bath, Thailand.

While on my Isaan village trip I had always wanted to venture to a temple that has been under construction for over 3 years. It is easy to spot the temple from the main road to the village because of the large Buddha statue that sits atop of the building.

It has slowly taken shape over the years, Noot doesn’t know who has funded the temple and she couldn’t find out from anyone we knew in the village who was funding its construction.

The statue is still surrounded by bamboo scaffolding though it looks complete.

The building is very big; from floor to ceiling in the main hall would be 20 plus feet.

At the steps leading into the main hall are these mythical Nagas Serpents.

These Naga Serpents are huge and surround the entire base of the temple. The temple still has a lot of work to be done before finished. The main hall is still bare and barren but as funds become available they will continue their work I am sure.

If you look at the larger size picture, you can see how small the person looks who is painting the base of the statue. The hand gestures of the statue is known as;

Varada Mudra – Which is Symbolizing Charity or Gift.
The hand lowered with the palm facing outward is the gesture of bestowing blessings or of giving charity. The hand is extended downward, palm out. Mostly on standing Buddha images, but sometimes also represented in the sitting position.

Lining the way into the temple are frangipani trees. I have seen frangipanis in many colours but never this vibrant.

They were just so vivid when everything else around the area was dull in the dry times.

We headed back to the village at around 1pm, it was hot and most people spend times out of their houses. Most will be under their house in hammocks or in small thatched huts under the shade of trees. It is much cooler and also the breeze is very pleasant. Here Khun Da is resting, recharging his batteries.

Our niece Ja was a little hot and bothered so she had an Isaan shower.

The water is cool and a very lovely relief from the heat.

Ja was having a great time in her private pool.

Ja likes to stand up when ever she can now. Also she loves the water and splashes and screams with delight when in the bath or pool.

Ja thinks life is great.

After her bath it was time for a mid afternoon nap, so into one of the hammocks and then swung off to sleep.

I crept down to the river and went for a relieving swim; I too then had a small afternoon nap. Another tuff day in an Isaan village.

Brunty.