Phu Phra

Phu Phra, Wat Sila Asana, is located at Ban Na Kai Sao, Na Siao Subdistrict, Mueang District, Chaiyaphum Province. It is approximately 12 kilometers from Chaiyaphum town, taking Highway No. 201 (Chaiyaphum-Phu Khiao) for 6 kilometers, then turning left onto the Na Siao-Huai Chan route for 5 kilometers, and finally turning left into the temple for 1 kilometer. Phu Phra is part of Phu Laen Kha, standing 210 meters above sea level. It is characterized by rocky cliffs and a wide stone courtyard. The rock face of Phu Phra has carvings of many Buddha images, totaling 9. One of these is very large, called "Phra Chao Ong Tue" by locals. It is seated in a meditative posture, with a lap width of 5 feet and a height of 7 feet. The right hand rests on the lap, and the left hand rests on the shin (in a posture different from Maravijaya). In front of it is a small sandstone Buddha image, 7 inches high, in the same posture. Nearby are 7 other Buddha images carved around sandstone pillars, seated in a row in the meditative posture, with 2 more in the same posture as Phra Chao Ong Tue. These Buddha images are estimated to be from the 18th-19th centuries. The Fine Arts Department declared them a registered historical site and artifact on March 8, 1935.