PATTAYA: A 3.9-metre statue of Phra Mae Thorani, the Earth Goddess, was consecrated and installed in front of the Mahakali Avatar Chakravartin Janani Temple on September 12th, 2026, in a ceremony intended to bring auspiciousness and open a new place of worship for the public.
The rite was led by temple founder Ms. Amporn Kaewsaeng, together with disciples and devotees. The statue now stands at the front of the shrine on Soi Kasetsin, Khao Phra Tamnak, so visitors can pay respects and ask for blessings in addition to the deities already enshrined inside.
Distinguished guests included Pol. Col. Anek Sathongyu, superintendent of Pattaya City Police Station; Pol. Col. Angthakoon Sarakul, former deputy commander of Chonburi Provincial Police; Pol. Lt. Col. Amorntep Maima of the Pattaya traffic division; and Mr. Pairoj Prawatlertudom, chairman of the Banglamung police advisory board, along with members of the Pattaya City and Nong Prue police advisory committees.
The morning programme began with the lighting of victory candles offered to Phra Mae Thorani and a ritual of homage to the deities. Phra Ajarn Uthai Uttamo, abbot of Wat Phu Yod Ruay (Wat Pa Phu Yod Ruay) in Si Mueang Mai District, Ubon Ratchathani, presided on the monastic side. Nine monks from Wat Boonmee Dararam chanted Buddhist scriptures and the Jayanto verses for good fortune before the midday meal was offered to the clergy.
The installation followed. Offerings, flowers and ceremonial items were arranged in order. Crowds of devotees scattered flowers as a crane lifted the statue from a truck and moved it into place at the front of the temple.
The image depicts Phra Mae Thorani wringing water from her hair, the traditional Thai form of the Earth Goddess who, in Buddhist legend, washed away Mara’s army as the Buddha sat beneath the Bodhi tree. Temple organisers said the statue is meant as another major object of veneration for people seeking protection and blessing.
An evening programme was scheduled for 6:09 p.m. the same day, with hymns in praise of the goddess and a Soha rite conducted by Brahmin Ball and the Barami group.
