Wat Pa Luangta Bua Yanasampanno (Tiger Temple) : Kanchanaburi, Thailand

Otherwise known as the Tiger Temple (not to be confused with the Tiger Cave Temple), Wat Pa Luangta Bua Yanasampanno Forest Monastery in the Saiyok district, kanchanaburi is an animal rescue centre run by local monks. The centre houses a dozen tigers, some who were made orphans after their parents were killed by poachers while others are their offspring born at the temple. Visitors are given the chance to pet some of the tamest of the specimens and other animals including monkeys.

The interesting in Tiger Temple are..

Bodhi Tree.. 11th May 1995: Venerable Luangta Maha Bua Yannasampanno-"Luangta" kindly paid the first visit to Wat Pa Luangta Bua Yanasampanno, and grew a bodhi tree as an auspicious start. "Luangta" stated that… “We must think first where we’ll plant a Bodhi tree. Bodhi tree is a tree of importance. Once grown, it’s hard to move, as it’s like the Great Teacher was there. For the Buddhist, when doing anything and encountering with a Bodhi tree, no one will dare to destroy it. Since the Great Teacher attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. So, “Bodhi tree” is an auspicious sign not to be treated in a disrespectful way. Even the authority, when cutting a road and encountering with the tree, will avoid it. They will use the tool until the tree dies itself, not out of intention. That’s how it is”.

Phra Buddha Kanchanaphisek (Golden Jubilee Buddha Image) is important, a precious treasure of the nation. In 1995, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej wished to make a personal merit to Phra Rachayanwisutthisophon (Phra Acharn Maha Bua Yanasampanno) of Wat Pa Baan Taad, Muang District, Udonthani. He’s a senior monk with austere practice, traveling on foot, having good reputation, respected by meditation monks in the path of Phra Acharn Mun Bhuridhatto; and the public, both at home and abroad. So, the king had a royal command to Dr. Chao Na Silawan, the councillor, to construct a large Buddha Image, using his personal fund. The Buddha Image was dedicated to Phra Rachayanwisutthisophon (Phra Acharn Maha Bua Yanasampanno). In addition, the king made a wish to recover from heart disease.

Arkhan Metta Tan Chaokhun Maha Bua Yanasampanno 84 years: Phra Acharn Phusit (Chan) Khantitharo had asked for the opinion and guideline for the construction from the Chairman in the construction, Somdej Phra Mahamuniwong, Wat Noranatsuntrikaram, Thewes, Bangkok. Somdej Phra Mahamuniwong kindly gave the name of the biggest building of the monastery as “Arkhan Metta Tan Chaokhun Maha Bua Yanasampanno 84 years” (Compassion Pavilion of Tan Chaokhun Maha Bua Yanasampanno 84 years). The reason for the word 84 years is because in the beginning year of construction, "Luangta" Maha Bua was 84 years old.

More information or donation please visit http://www.tigertemple.org