Within Wat Yothanimit, beyond its rich historical significance and the revered statue of "Luang Por Yai," which is a symbol of the community, there is another notable feature—the "Jao Por Rung Reuang Shrine." This shrine, which has stood for over a century, holds great respect among the local residents. The Jao Por Rung Reuang Shrine is located to the rear of Wat Yothanimit, facing west, while its back turns eastward. It is believed that the current shrine is the result of three renovations (the current shrine being the third). Originally, it began as a small pole shrine, but as time passed, it fell into disrepair and was rebuilt twice. The present structure can be seen in the photographs, but if you look closely at the base, you can spot some stones placed there—these are remnants of the old shrine that once stood. According to accounts gathered by the team, the origins of this shrine date back over a hundred years, at a time when the local Thai people had strong beliefs in spirits and worshipped them. When constructing Wat Yothanimit, rituals were performed to honor the land spirits first. This practice ensured the smooth building of the temple while paying respect to the guardian spirits of the area. Consequently, the shrine was established, named "Jao Por Rung Reuang," likely due to its eastern orientation (the direction of the rising sun), which imbues it with auspiciousness. Thus, the Jao Por Rung Reuang Shrine came into existence alongside Wat Yothanimit and has flourished for over a century, despite undergoing renovations three times.
Photo Credit: EDTguide
Wat Yothanimit
Province: Chanthaburi