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History
History of Wat Chong Samaesarn
(92nd Anniversary in the Year 2022)
Wat Chong Samaesan is located in Moo 2, Samaesan Subdistrict, Sattahip District, Chonburi Province. The temple was established in B.E. 2473 (1930) and received its royal boundary charter (Wisungkhamasima) in B.E. 2494 (1951). It may also be said that the temple originated during the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), as evidenced by several historic structures within the temple grounds, particularly the chedi located on the hill of Luang Pho Dam Vihara. In B.E. 2501 (1958), Phra Ajahn Damrong Kunasopho came to reside in meditation near the ancient chedi and was inspired by a vision to build a Buddha image on the hill. The chedi atop Luang Pho Dam Vihara is similar in style to the offshore chedis at Pak Nam Rayong and Ko Sichang. For this reason, the Fine Arts Department registered the chedi as a national historic monument. Samaesan is an ancient community, as evidenced by historical documents and maps. According to Prachinburi Map No. 4.47.23, surveyed by the Royal Survey Department in B.E. 2460 (1917) and printed in B.E. 2473 (1930), copies of which are preserved by the National Library of Thailand, Bang Lamung District of Chonburi Province consisted of several villages, including Hat Yao and Ban Chong Samaesan. These areas now form Samaesan Subdistrict in Sattahip District, Chonburi Province. At that time, there were two Buddhist temples in the area, which were later combined into Wat Chong Samaesan. Another piece of evidence showing that Chong Samaesan Village existed before R.S. 130 comes from the royal writings of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) during his journey to Chanthaburi in R.S. 130. Written at the Royal Camp in Ang Sila and published in the Royal Gazette, Volume 29, one passage states: “The Commissioner of Chanthaburi accompanied the royal journey aboard the royal vessel to prepare for the royal visit to Ko Chang, Ko Samet, and Chong Samaesan.” Another passage records: “On the afternoon of April 25, at dawn, the royal vessel departed from Ko Samet and anchored at Chong Samaesan. At approximately four o’clock in the afternoon, His Majesty boarded a rowing boat, towed by a motorboat, and visited the beach.” And another passage states: “That night, repairs were made to the engines and equipment of our vessel. At dawn, we departed from Samaesan. The vessel traveled faster than before, although minor issues arose and repairs to the propeller were occasionally required. Along the way, schools of bonito fish numbering in the dozens could be seen. By noon, the vessel arrived at Ang Sila.” Wat Chong Samaesan has been governed by a succession of abbots as follows: Phra Ajahn Chai Phra Ajahn Thung Phra Ajahn Hem Phra Ajahn Kaew Phra Ajahn Trakarn Phra Khru Sirisarakhun Phra Khru Wisarnsutakorn (Phra Maha Rattana Silatecho), the current abbot and Ecclesiastical Chief of Plutaluang Subdistrict. As can be seen, Wat Chong Samaesan has a long and rich history, although formal historical records were not systematically compiled. Upon becoming abbot, Phra Khru Wisarnsutakorn gathered information from elderly local residents and long-time devotees, enabling the temple's history to be documented in summary form for future generations. Before B.E. 2480 (1937), Phra Ajahn Chai developed the area into a monastic residence. Later, Luang Pho Thung became head of the monastic residence around B.E. 2491–2492 (1948–1949), before returning to reside at Ban Amphoe Temple. Between B.E. 2492 and 2505 (1949–1962), Luang Pho Hem served as head of the monastic residence. Subsequently, from B.E. 2500 to 2505 (1957–1962), Phra Ajahn Kaew Kittipalo became the first officially appointed abbot. After Phra Ajahn Kaew came Phra Ajahn Trakarn. Many people may wonder whether Luang Pho That Varuttamo, the renowned meditation master of Eastern Thailand, ever served as abbot. Although he was not officially an abbot, Luang Pho That Varuttamo served as a key advisor in the administration of the monastic community from B.E. 2505 to 2516 (1962–1973). He passed away on 17 July B.E. 2516 (1973), at the age of 84 years, 11 months, and 16 days. Subsequently, the second abbot continued the administration until B.E. 2522 (1979), when Phra Khru Sirisarakhun, the third abbot, further developed Wat Chong Samaesan. He passed away on 9 March B.E. 2541 (1998). At present, Wat Chong Samaesan is under the leadership of Phra Khru Wisarnsutakorn. In B.E. 2541 (1998), he first served as acting abbot before later being officially appointed abbot. In addition, he has served as Secretary of the Ecclesiastical Chief of Plutaluang Subdistrict, a member of the Sangha Council, a Chonburi Provincial Dhamma Missionary Monk, and a preceptor monk. Since assuming leadership in B.E. 2541 (1998), Phra Khru Wisarnsutakorn has continuously developed Wat Chong Samaesan through the construction of numerous permanent structures and the restoration of temple facilities. His efforts have made the temple widely recognized throughout Thailand as a flourishing center of Buddhist merit-making and spiritual practice. Wat Chong Samaesan celebrated its 92nd Anniversary in B.E. 2565 (2022). On this auspicious occasion, devotees and visitors are invited to participate in merit-making activities, sponsor the construction of the new sermon hall, pay homage to the sacred relics of the Lord Buddha, and pass beneath the ordination hall for blessings every day.
History of Luang Pho Dam
(Phra Samphuttha Mahamuni Sri Khunasuphanimit)
Around B.E. 2501 (1958), a Buddhist monk named Ajahn Damrong Kunasopho traveled to the ancient chedi located on the hill of Wat Chong Samaesan and stayed there in a forest monk’s umbrella tent (klot). He told the devotees who came to pay their respects that he resided at Wat Khao Khuen in Doem Bang Nang Buat District, Suphan Buri Province. He had journeyed to this place because he had received a vision in a dream instructing him to travel along the eastern seacoast. In the vision, he was told that he would find an ancient chedi on a hill near the sea and that he should build a Buddha image there. In the future, this Buddha image would become highly sacred. Ajahn Damrong departed from Wat Khao Khuen and traveled for many days. Whenever he came across a coastal village, he would stop and look around. Eventually, he arrived at Ban Chong Samaesan in Sattahip District, Chonburi Province, where he set up his umbrella tent. Everything at this location matched exactly what he had seen in his vision. He then invited local devotees to donate materials for the construction of the Buddha image, and many people faithfully cooperated. At that time, there were no roads for vehicles, so all construction materials had to be carried up the hill by hand. The construction took approximately two years to complete. Once completed, the Buddha image was coated with black lacquer and stood majestically in the open air without any roof covering. Villagers, fishermen, and visitors began calling it “Luang Pho Dam” (The Black Buddha), a name that became widely known, even though the official name given by Ajahn Damrong was Phra Samphuttha Mahamuni Sri Khunasuphanimit. The final part of the name signifies that the Buddha image originated from an auspicious vision or dream. Approximately one month after completion, a grand consecration ceremony was held, including the sacred eye-opening ritual of the Buddha image. The celebration included offerings, ceremonies, and festive performances. During the event, two straw effigies were created to symbolize disciples of Luang Pho Dam. After the ceremony, the effigies were burned. The entire ritual was conducted by Ajahn Thong. Luang Pho Dam remained exposed to the sun and weather for more than ten years. One day, a fisherman from Samut Prakan Province passed by and saw the Buddha image standing under the scorching sun. He prayed that if his next fishing voyage earned him 200,000 Baht, he would build a roof for Luang Pho Dam. His wish was granted. He entrusted the money to Village Headman Charoen Thisabadi, who arranged for a roof to be built. However, there were still no walls, and rain continued to blow into the structure. Later, another fisherman passed by and prayed to Luang Pho Dam, promising that if his wish were fulfilled, he would build walls for the shrine. His wish was also granted, and he likewise donated money through the village headman. As a result, the shrine eventually had a roof and wooden walls on three sides. Even then, large numbers of fishermen and visitors continued to climb the hill to worship Luang Pho Dam, as many believed that their prayers and wishes were often fulfilled. About ten years later, the shrine began to deteriorate and was close to collapsing. Phra Khru Sirisarakhun, the abbot at the time, together with the people of Samaesan, gradually restored the chedi hill and its structures. Subsequently, Mr. Saneh Pitakkorn, who currently serves as a member of the Chonburi Provincial Council, joined forces with Phra Khru Sirisarakhun and local residents to construct a magnificent four-sided pavilion (Chatrumukha Vihara). The vihara was adorned with stucco murals depicting the life of the Buddha, artwork that is rarely seen today. In B.E. 2541 (1998), Phra Khru Wisarnsutakorn became the abbot of Wat Chong Samaesan. He improved the surrounding area of the chedi hill, including the construction of convenient parking facilities, scenic viewpoints, and inspirational signs. Today, visitors arrive daily to pay homage, seek blessings, and fulfill vows after their wishes have been granted. Numerous stories of the miraculous power of Luang Pho Dam continue to be shared by devotees who return to offer thanks. Every year during the Chinese New Year festival, a seven-day and seven-night celebration is held in honor of Luang Pho Dam. Visitors are warmly invited to come and pay their respects at least once to experience the blessings and sacred power associated with Luang Pho Dam. Travel to the site is convenient, with paved roads leading all the way to the hilltop. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the ocean and witness beautiful sunsets every day. Based on an interview with Mr. Saneh Pitakkorn, Member of the Chonburi Provincial Council.
Important Attractions Within the Temple
Luang Pho Dam Vihara, Wat Chong Samaesan
