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Within the shrine area, there is a pavilion with Chinese-style
roofs. Inside the pavilion are a bell and a drum for visitors to ring
and hit, as it is believed that the action will bring about luck and
prosperity in life. Visitors usually ring the bell and hit the drum three
times each. The baton for hitting the drum is carved in the form of a
creature in the Chinese mythology. The creature looks like a combination
of fish and dragon pained in a gold color, which represents prosperity.
The figures of dragon are found on the roofs on the left and the right
of the pavilion. In a clear sky during daytime, the two dragons are seen
in a manner like they are moving actively towards the sky.
Opposite the pavilion is the place where the image of Bodhisattva
Guanyin is installed. It is believed that the Goddess of Mercy Guanyin
once came down from heaven to be born on Earth in order to help
ease human suffering. Legend has it that she was the daughter of a king
and was interested in Dhamma since her childhood. Her father would
like her to marry, so that she would have an heir to the throne. As
she refused to marry, her father ordered her to be executed. Thanks to
her merit, she was saved from all dangers. Finally, she entered
the monkhood and attained enlightenment. A large number of
Buddhists have great respect for Guanyin, and many worship her by
not consuming meat throughout their life.
It is said that there are altogether 84 postures of the Guanyin
image for people to worship. For instance, the posture of thousand
eyes and thousand arms means that it was a miracle that the Goddess
of Mercy was born to free all human beings on Earth from suffering.
The posture of giving blessing represents longevity, good health, and
a healthy mind. The worshippers apparently opt to the two postures most.
Visitors may come to pay homage to Bodhisattva Guanyin at this shrine,
located in the fishing village of Ban Chalok Lam.
Near the Guanyin shrine is the location of Wat Pa Saengdham, which
is peaceful with big and small shady trees. This forest temple was founded
less than 20 years ago. In July 1984, a monk and a novice, in their pilgrimage,
came to put up long-handled umbrellas at an old cemetery in Ban Chalok
Lam. Later, they had to move out of the cemetery. While they were
heading to the pier in order to return to the mainland, a group of villagers
who had faith in them asked them to continue to stay at Ban Chalok Lam.
The monk and the novice considered that the deserted cemetery in
Wat Pa Saengdham was tranquil and far from busy areas. They then decided
to stay there as a pilgrimage place. Local villagers joined hands in
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