Zhao Krung Palee
Legend has it that Zhao Krung Palee, was an ancient king named Totsarat, who resided in Krung Palee during the Buddha’s time. At the time however, he was hardly virtuous king. He was motivated by his huge ego, and his jealousy of anyone who maintained a arger following than him.
One day he heard of renown of the Buddha, and the respect he garnered from his devotees. Feeling envious, he lied to the people, telling them that the Buddha will confer belssings upon him. He repeated this lie often, even claiming that the Buddha held him in high regard, and thus granted him special blessings.
News of the king’s claims reached the Buddha, who paid the King a visit in Krung Palee, intending to guide him towards a path of virtue. The Buddha approached Totsarat and requested for a piece of land to reside on, measuring a mere three paces across. The King was amused, his ego bolstered by his belief that even the Buddha needed this minisule favour from him, and readily aceded to his request. Declaring all beings on Heaven and Earth as witnesses to the king’s promise, the Buddha strode 2 steps, and covered the entire expanse of the universe.
The King was startled, but had to fulfill his promise. He lost everything; his land, palace, and armies. The king gegged the Buddha for a small piece of land, fearing the future of his 9 children. The Buddha agreed, stipulating that anyone who sought to buil anything on that land in the future, would have to reserve a shrine in honor of him. Totsarat, in turn, was elevated to the status of Protector Deity.
