Handcrafted Statue of 'Little Naga' Designed to Attract More Young Visitors
Following the viral success of the charming "Little Naga" statue at Wat Don Yai temple in Lam Luk Ka District, Pathum Thani, the temple's abbot and sculptor Sakda have announced plans to introduce more "Little Naga friends" to the site. This move aims to further enhance the temple's appeal, particularly for families and young visitors.
The "Little Naga" statue, affectionately named "Chao Sua Noi" by the temple's abbot, has been a significant attraction, drawing visitors seeking its unique charm. Departing from traditional representations of the Naga in Thai mythology, the statue features soft, cartoon-like features, making it more approachable for children.
Sakda, the sculptor behind the statue, explained that the idea was born from his desire to encourage children to visit temples without feeling intimidated. He blended traditional Thai art with a playful, cartoon aesthetic to achieve this goal.
The addition of more "Little Naga friends" is not just a response to the statue's viral success across Thai social media, but also part of a trend to modernize traditional religious symbols to attract a younger audience. The plan to introduce more statues aims to continue the statue's success and appeal to a wider audience.
Wat Don Yai, with its Naga-themed spiritual park, Uthayan Tham Phaya Nakharat, is already becoming a must-visit destination for those seeking both blessings and smiles. The addition of more "Little Naga friends" is expected to further solidify its status as a must-visit destination.
Over the weekend, many worshippers flocked to Wat Don Yai to seek blessings from the "Little Naga" statue, demonstrating its ongoing popularity. The temple, with its inviting and modern approach to traditional religious symbols, continues to enchant netizens and visitors alike.
In line with the temple's modern approach to traditional symbols, plans have been laid out to incorporate a collection of "Little Naga friends," expanding the home-and-garden scene of the Naga-themed spiritual park, Uthayan Tham Phaya Nakharat at Wat Don Yai. This addition is aimed at promoting a sustainable living lifestyle, making the temple more appealing to families and young visitors, while encouraging children to explore their interest in cultural and spiritual matters.