Chao Pho-Chao Mae Chum Saeng Shrine, Chainat

Nestled by the canal of Khlong Chorakae Phueak on the southern side, it is a site steeped in cultural history and legend, reflecting the deep-rooted faith of the Chinese community residing in the Chum Saeng Market area. Originally known to the locals as the Chao Por Khlong Chorakae Phueak Shrine, it symbolizes a remarkable blend of local beliefs and traditions. According to local lore, the shrine’s origins are tied to a miraculous event where logs were seen floating and circling upstream on the Nan River near this site. This phenomenon coincided with a dream where Chao Pho, a revered figure, instructed villagers to use these logs to carve his image. It was believed that this act would allow Chao Pho to manifest in the statue, offering protection from disasters and blessing the community with prosperity and safe travels. Adding to the shrine’s mystique is a romantic legend involving Chao Pho and Chao Mae Koei Chai with the latter hailing from a subdistrict in Chum Saeng District. Their love story culminated in a grand wedding ceremony, where villagers presented gifts from the groom to the bride’s family. Following the tradition, Chao Mae Koei Chai was invited to reside with Chao Pho in the shrine, symbolized by another wooden carving created in her likeness and placed beside the Chao Pho statue. From that point forward, the shrine was affectionately renamed ” Chao Pho-Chao Mae Chum Saeng Shrine “.