Wat Suwan Khiri, Buddhist temple in Songkhla province, Thailand
Wat Suwan Khiri is a historic temple in the town of Hua Khao located on Khao Dong Yang mountain, surrounded by trees. The grounds contain old buildings, statues, and a main hall that houses a Buddha footprint relic, an important shrine for devotees.
The temple has a long history in the community and was rebuilt after a fire destroyed the original structure. The Buddha footprint relic was preserved in a newly built hall and has remained a place of worship since that time.
The temple serves as a gathering place where the community practices their faith and maintains local traditions alive. The annual Makha Bucha celebration featuring the preparation of khao lam, sticky rice cooked in bamboo tubes, shows how people express their devotion through everyday acts.
The climb to the temple consists of about 700 steps and takes roughly 15 minutes, with shaded rest spots along the way. A paved path and vehicles make the visit easier today, though many visitors prefer the traditional climb carrying offerings.
During the Makha Bucha festival, a colorful procession with decorated carts, horses, and vintage motorcycles starts from a nearby school and moves through the temple grounds. This festive parade blends religious practice with community celebration and represents a rare example of folk customs in the region.
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