Phra Phuttha Sothon

Phra Phuttha Sothon, more commonly known as Luang Pho Sothon, has according to its recorded history been enshrined at Wat Sothon Wararam Worawihan in Mueang District, Chachoengsao Province, since around 2313 BE (1770 CE).

A legend attesting to the image's sacred power has been passed down through the generations. It holds that the image was originally enshrined in the north of the country. When the kingdom later fell into turmoil, it manifested a miracle and floated down the river together with its three siblings.

The eldest image, the largest of them, drifted as far as the Mae Klong River, where fishermen raised it and enshrined it at Wat Ban Laem in Samut Songkhram Province. It came to be known as Luang Pho Ban Laem.

The smallest image drifted into Bang Phli Canal and is Luang Pho To of Wat Bang Phli Yai in Samut Prakan Province.

The middle image drifted along the Bang Pakong River. When it reached the water in front of Wat Hong, a great many villagers tried together to haul it up, but none could lift it from the river. At last a teacher performed a propitiation ceremony and, looping a sacred thread around the image's hand, succeeded in raising it from the water.

Wat Hong was later renamed Wat Sothon, and this sacred image was named after the temple: Luang Pho Sothon.