History of Sui Bun Tong Shrine (Aam Loarong)

The origins of Sui Bun Tong Shrine (Aam Loarong) began when the father of Master Jin Beng purchased five rooms of land and built two buildings. The inaugural pillar was laid on May 16, 2510 B.E., on Wednesday, the third day of the waxing moon of the sixth month, at 8:30 AM. Later, Master Jin Beng wanted to make a place to hold a vegetarian ceremony to prepare and distribute free food, or ‘Chai Ting,’ in order to start The Vegetarian Festival. Therefore, a shrine was built on this land and began the festival for the first time on October 13, 2520 B.E., which was the second day of the waxing moon of the 11th month of the Year of the Snake, or Kiu Ngo Ya, Cheid day.

Source: Master Jin Beng’s personal notes

History of Sui Bun Tong Shrine or Loarong Shrine. This shrine was initiated by Mr. Winai (Jin Beng) Sae So, along with a group of spirit mediums and disciples of various deities, who proposed the construction of a new shrine, with Cheng Chui Jo Su Gong God as the preeminent deity. Mr. Winai was formerly a medium of Jo Su Gong.

Nonetheless, the establishment of a new shrine necessitates substantial expenditure. Mr. Winai initially proposed to use two commercial buildings in Soi Phatthana 4, which were Mr. Winai’s property, to build a temporary shrine until there was enough money to build a new one.

The assembly consented to utilize the building and designated the place as “Sui Buntong.” The vegetarian ceremony began on the first day of the ninth month, which was Thursday, October 13, 2520 B.E. The committee helped to purchase various equipment for the ceremony. In the year 2522 B.E., Mr. Winai provided funding for the construction of various deities, appointed a board of directors for the shrine, headed by Mr. Narong Nopdara (Pae Hok Po) as chairman, and established committees for various departments. At the same time, the building was also developed into a large two-floor building, with additional equipment being added, and there are many deities on both floors.

The upper floors are divided into three sections. A portion of the room is connected to the rear wall, wherein the principal statue, Cheng Chui Cho Su Kong (Jo Su Gong), is enshrined, along with other Buddha statues. On the right-hand side of the main principle statue is a group of deities, or Zhong Xin Beng. On the left-hand side is a place to worship the images of Jiu Huang Da Di and Ling Guan Da Di. In the front area of the hall, directly opposite the exit door, is a statue of Yok Hong Song, which is located directly opposite the exit door. On the right-hand side of the statue lies the location where the statue of Guan gin, the deity of Ma Cho Po, is enshrined.

Outside the front door is the place where ‘Sang ka chay’ or ‘Kaccayana’ is enshrined. It is a second-floor cement courtyard. In the middle of the hall on the ground floor, on the right is the Pun Tao Kong statue; on the right is the Te Chong Ong statue; and on the left is the Chao Bun Kong statue. Additionally, on the right side, there are many Buddha statues and amulets.

Sui: A sage with knowledge

Bun: Knowledge, academics

Tong: Shrine

Address: 1 Phatthana Road, Soi 8, Talat Nuea Sub-district, Mueang District, Phuket 83000

Telephone number: 076-213-862

Source: Phuket News