Wat Pa Ban Tat
Inside its compound, wild animals are in abundance: pheasant, red jungle fowl, birds, squirrel, tree shrew, common wild pig etc. The temple is also a residence of Phra Achan Maha Bua Yannasampanno, the revered Buddhist master of meditation and a follower of Phra Achan Man Phurithatto, the late master.
Wat Thipphayaratnimit
It is another forest temple in the area of Amphoe Mueang and has a pleasant shady atmosphere. There is a large pagoda which contains Lord Buddha’s relics. The pagoda is shaped like “Thanan,” a utensil used in ancient times to scoop Lord Buddha’s relics.
Wat Pa Ban Kho
Here, there is Phra Maha That Chedi Chaloem Barami Phra Nawamin, a pagoda that contains Lord Buddha’s relics. The temple is ideal for practitioners of Dharma (Buddha’s teachings).
Wat Matchimawat
Within its Wihan building, there is a white stone Buddha image under Naga (serpent) protection, or commonly known as “Luangpho Nak,” which has been highly respected by the people of Udon Thani.
Temple in Udon Thani @ Thailand
Posted by Head Hunter | 12/04/2011 11:20:00 PM | northeast, temple, thailand, travel, trip, Udon Thani, wat | 0 comments »Kosamphi Forest Park
Posted by Head Hunter | 9/20/2011 10:56:00 PM | forest, Kosamphi, maha sarakham, northeast, park | 0 comments » Kosamphi Forest Park was established in October 1976 and is home to number of big trees whose peaks touch each other to form a canopy. The forest park also has a natural pond that makes it an ideal home for number of species of birds and wildlife. However, the biggest attraction of Kosamphi Forest Park is the large number of crab-eating grey and gold macaques.
For those of you who want to be close to nature can enjoy the Kaeng Tat rapids in Chi River. These rapid are located in the north and east of the park. You can also enjoy the toothbrush trees that are bent into different shapes. Over 200 trees are present in the park.
Loei province in Thailand
Posted by Head Hunter | 9/16/2011 03:03:00 PM | loei, northeast, northeast in thailand, thailand, travel | 0 comments »Loei is one of the most sparsely populated provinces (changwat) of Thailand, located in the North-East of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are (from east clockwise) Nong Khai, Udon Thani, Nongbua Lamphu, Khon Kaen, Phetchabun, Phitsanulok. In the north it borders Xaignabouli and Vientiane Province of Laos.
Loei is a city surrounded by undulating mountain ranges whose summits are covered by foggy lines, abundant with various kinds of flora. The well-known ones are Phu Kradueng, Phu Luang and Phu Ruea.
History
In 1853 king Mongkut (Rama IV) founded the city of Loei to better administer the increased population in the area. In 1907 the province was created.
Symbols
The seal of the province shows the stupa at Phra That Si Song Rak built in 1560. It was built by King Maha Chakrapat of the Ayutthaya kingdom, and King Chai Chetha of Lan Xang, and marked the friendship between the two kingdoms. The provincial tree is the Khasi Pine (Pinus kesiya).
The provincial slogan is City of the Sea of Mountains, Coldest Place in Siam, and Beautiful Flowers of Three Seasons.
Beautiful place in Loei @ Thailand
Posted by Head Hunter | 8/30/2011 09:42:00 AM | beautiful place, loei, northeast, place, thailand, travel, trip | 0 comments »Namtok Khing - The waterfall comprises many rock tiers. At this spot, the government has constructed a royal residence for Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn who visited this place on 12 February 1991.
Hin Si Thit - On its south are four rocks rising up in the middle of the tropical evergreen forest. Local people usually go up to pay respect at this place once every three years, thus it is called “Song Pi Ham, Sam Pi Khrop”.
Hin Kuai Lo - It is a sandstone whose shape is similar to a mushroom bud rising in the middle of the tropical evergreen forest.
Noen 1408 Viewpoint - It is the highest viewpoint and centre of the national park. It is also a beautiful viewpoint to see the sunrise.
Noen 1255 Viewpoint - is a short-distant viewpoint where the scenery of Ban Huai Nam Phak below, as well as, Phu Soi Dao and Phu Wiang in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic can be witnessed.
Phrathat Satcha - Components of Phrathat Satcha comprise a base of blooming lotus with 3 tiers of petals with a height of approximately 1 metre around it.
The Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge across the Hueang River - It is a bridge crossing the Hueang River and connecting between Thailand and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.
Wat Phu Tham Phra at Nakhon Phanom in Thailand.
Posted by Head Hunter | 6/19/2011 10:04:00 PM | Nakhon Phanom, northeast, northeast in thailand, thailand | 0 comments » The temple houses Prasat Thong Pagoda that contains relics of the Lord Buddha and Arhats. This temple is a quiet place where a famous monk, Phra Achan Man Phurithata Thera, practiced his meditation.
This is the "real" Phu Tham Phra, we had been searching for in Yasothon. In 2007 we finally went to this rocky and wooden area in the northern part of the province. Several old Buddha images are located in the small cave, which is really more a covered area amongst the rocks. A modern temple building has also been built on the temple grounds, containing some newer Buddha images.
Chaiyaphum : Phraya Phakdi Chumphon Monument
Posted by Head Hunter | 6/04/2011 06:23:00 PM | chaiyaphum, guide, northeast, northeast in thailand, thai, thailand, tourism, travel, trip | 0 comments » Phraya Phakdi Chumphon (Lae) Monument is located in the district of Mueang Chaiyaphum. It is actually located at Sun Ratchakan Roundabout, which is on the way to the city. The monument was built in 1975 and is dedicated to the first governor of Chaiyaphum. The governor was called Chaopho Phraya Lae by the locals.
As per historical records, during the reign of King Rama II, in 1817, Nai Lae, who was court official of Chao Anuwong of Vientiane, moved with his family and followers to Ban Nam Khun in Nakhon Ratchasima district after crossing the Mekong River. Thereafter, the community moved to Non Nam Om, around 6 kilometers from the center of Chaiyaphum. Later the community moved once again and this time to a location within present-day Mueang District.
Here they became subjects of the town of Nakhon Ratchasima and took King Rama III as their lawful king. The community did not consider themselves under the authority of Chao Anuwong of Vientiane. King Rama III, made the town in Chaiyaphum District where the community was living and appointed Khun Phakdi Chumphon (Lae) as the first governor.
However, Chao Anuwong of Vientiane led an army to attack Nakhon Ratchasima in 1826. This prompted Khun Phakdi Chumphon to join hands with other governors of the neighboring provinces to fight him. The Thai army won but Chao Anuwong was not captured. He later returned to capture Khun Phakdi Chumphon and executed him under a tamarind tree near Pla Thao Swamp.
To honor the ultimate sacrifice done by Khun Phakdi Chumphon, he was conferred the title Phraya Phakdi Chumphon and a monument was later erected to honor his good deeds and sacrifice.
Let's have fun travel in thailand.
Ku Mahathat (Prang Ku Ban Kwao)
Posted by Head Hunter | 5/21/2011 04:04:00 PM | maha sarakham, northeast, northeast in thailand, thai, thailand | 0 comments »It is situated at Ban Kwao, Tambon Kwao, Amphoe Muang, 13 kilometers along Jaeng Sanit road fromtownship area. It is an archaeological site having construction age of over 700 years ago.
It was built of sand stone in the shape of a square tent having the height from the ground to the peak of eight meters, and the width of five meters. In the sanctuary there are two earthenware idols in the attitude of sitting crossed-leg holding conch shell in between the two palms placing against each other at the chest level.
It is surrounded by the cloister having the single entrance in the east and the Bannalai is situated in the southeast corner. There is only entrance into the main Prang and it is located in the east too while the others on the rest of the three directions are false doors. Frames and lintels are made of sand stone and
the Fine Arts Department has finished the excavation already.
Wat Phrathat Maha Chai at Nakhon Phanom in Thailand.
Posted by Head Hunter | 5/17/2011 05:58:00 PM | Nakhon Phanom, northeast, travel, trip | 0 comments »The 37 metre high stupa of Ban Maha Chai is regarded as a sacred monument as it houses relics of the Lord Buddha and Arhats. The temple also houses sacred Buddha images; namely, Phra Phutthachaiyasit, the principal Buddha image, as well as a Buddha image carved from a neem tree, which is the largest of its kind in Thailand.
Wat Phra That Mahachai. Mahachai enshrined at home away from the city about 39 kilometers route Nakhon Phanom - Nakhon. National Highway 22 and turn right on Highway 2276 to measure another 1.8 kilometers to measure the concrete. Phra That is 37 meters high sanctuary of the most important one. It is packed Grand Buddha's relics and the saint Buddha's relics The temple is also the principal.
Buddha Chai permission to the statue of Buddha image carved from sweet neem tree, the largest in Thailand. And paintings on the wall showing the Buddha temple. A very beautiful artistic patterns in Northeast King and Queen.
He has graciously consented ceremony packed Grand Buddha's relics at Phra Maha Chai on 25 May 2518 falls on the 15th evening, the Vesak month 6. And this temple is the temple of the Holy Thorn Sunthorn ? ? much. (Luang Pu Kham Kho Phan a Pun Yo), the instructor calls Wipatsana important one body.
Which is respectful of people and northeast Nakhon Phanom general
Getting away from the city about 39 kilometers route Nakhon Phanom - Nakhon. Highway 22 (at 201-202 km and turn left onto another two kilometers measure.
Khon Kaen : Wat Sa Bua Kaeo.
Posted by Head Hunter | 5/16/2011 11:59:00 PM | khon kaen, northeast, temple, thailand, travel, trip | 0 comments »The temple is located at Ban Wang Khun. The mural and sculptural works of this temple is worth a visit. Crouching guardian lion replicas are on both sides of the stairway leading up to the Ubosot, ordination hall, with sculptures of men stretching their legs in front in front.
Luangpho Phui, preceptor of the temple, created all of these sculptures. Murals on four walls of this concrete ordination hall, both exterior and interior, features the peoples' lifestyle, history of the Lord Buddha, heaven and hell and folklore.
The pictures are separated by the so-called Sinthao line, a flash-shape pattern which is widely found in murals from the Ayutthaya and Rattanakosin periods, not in the Isan region. By the unique brushwork, the murals mirror freedom of the artist in expressing emotion into the pictures, trees and animals, like Western impressionists. The favorite colors include yellow, indigo, red ochre, green, blue and black.
Festivals at Nakhon Phanom in Thailand.
Posted by Head Hunter | 5/08/2011 08:31:00 PM | festival, northeast, northeast in thailand, thai, thailand, travel | 0 comments »Phrathat Phanom Fair : The annual celebration is scheduled to be held from the 10th day of the waxing moon to the 1st day of the waning moon of the 3rd lunar month. It is an important celebration for the people of Nakhon Phanom and nearby provinces.
Illuminated Boat Procession (Huea Fai) : Held from the full moon day to the 1st day of the waning moon of the 11th lunar month, the procession always illuminates the Mekong River in front of the city hall. The dazzling procession is held to welcome the Lord Buddha back to Earth after preaching to his mother in heaven during the three-month period of Buddhist Lent.
As part of the inherited tradition, the illuminated boat procession is among the numerous offerings to the Lord Buddha. The celebration has been handed down since ancient times. In the past, the illuminated boats were 10-12 metre long rafts made of a banana trunk or bamboo.
The raft was loaded with desserts, offerings, flowers, joss sticks, with candles and lamps to illuminate it before being launched onto the river. Today, the boat is built to be larger and much more extravagant. And it impressively illuminates the river during the festival.
Boat Races (Suang Huea) : The old tradition is held annually at the end of Buddhist Lent. It is quite successful to strengthen the harmony and relationship between the Thai and Laotian people along the Mekong River. The 3-km races take place on the Mekong River, in front of the Nakhon Phanom Embankment. The races are quite exciting as strong currents make them more difficult.
‘Saek Ten Sak’ Tradition : The ‘Pestle Dance” belongs to the Saek ethnic group in At Samat Village, 4 km. from Nakhon Phanom. The dance is performed annually on the 3rd day of the waxing moon of the 3rd lunar month to please the spirit.
If the dance is to be performed in another period, the spiritual leader will have to ask for permission by offering a pig’s head, 20-baht cash, and liquor, then pick up a predictive coloured stick. If the leader picks up a stick of the same colour, that means the spirit does not allow. The dancers will perform to the fast rhythm of drums and striking pestles painted in red and white.
‘So Thang Bang’ Tradition : The ‘So’ ethnic group, both men and women, perform this traditional dance in the funeral to send the soul of the deceased to heaven. The ‘So’, who speak their own language which sounds like Mon and Khmer, settled down in Amphoe Tha Uthen, Amphoe Na Kae, and Amphoe Si Songkhram.
Phu Thai Dance : The dance of the ‘Phu Thai’ ethnic group is performed in festivals during the 5th and 6th lunar months. Although the dancers do not perform synchronically, the dance entertains the audience with beautiful postures from the dancing couples, male and female.
Prang Ku @ ROIET
Posted by Head Hunter | 5/04/2011 10:08:00 PM | northeast, northeast in thailand, roi et, thailand, travel | 0 comments »It is located at Ban Yang Ku, Tambon Ma-ue. Prang Ku is a complex of buildings with a plan that resembles the Khmer nursing home known as ‘Arogayasala’. It comprises the main prang, a library, wall and entrance pavilions, and a pond outside of the wall. The ruins are in good condition, especially the roof structure of the main prang which still maintains its three tiers and the lotus base of the pinnacle. Other ruins of the temple have been restored and are located in a shady environment.
Apart from this, to the southeast inside of the front wall, there are many more archaeological finds being kept such as a sandstone lintel depicting a personage sitting on an elephant’s or bull’s back in a niche above the Kala face. The abbot of Wat Si Rattanaram where Prang Ku is located said the lintel belonged to the front porch of the main prang.
There are also 2 fragments of colonnette; one with a hermit at the base, a large Siva Lingam with its receptacle – Yoni - and a fragment of the pinnacle’s lotus base, which was adapted to be the base of a stucco image of Phra Sangkatchai. Prang Ku was built during the 12th – 13th Century A.D.
To get there: From the city, take Highway No. 23 (Roi Et – Yasothon) for 10 km. until reaching Thawat Buri district, then turn left for 6 km. to Prang Ku. Or take Highway No. 2044 (Roi Et – Phon Thong) for 8 km., then turn right for just about 1 km. to Prang Ku.
Phra That Na Dun: Buddhist Park of Isan
Posted by Head Hunter | 5/03/2011 04:53:00 PM | maha sarakham, northeast, northeast in thailand, temple, travel, trip | 0 comments »Phra That Na Dun is antiques that are more than 1300 years old.The search was first excavated. Mined by several people groups. But when officials at the Fine Arts Unit 7, Khon Kaen is tracking the object in respect of each.
As part of the excavation. It can be shown that the combination is compatible with each other very good shape.
Phra That is in the area once was ancient town called Champasi. Lots of archeological artifacts are found and now kept in Khon Kaen National Museum. The most significant items found was the stupa housing relic of the Lord Buddha kept in gold, silver, and bronze boxes.
Cave in Kalasin @ Thailand
Posted by Head Hunter | 4/25/2011 12:29:00 AM | kalasin, northeast, northeast in thailand, thai, thailand, travel, trip | 0 comments »Tham Siam Sap - It is a cliff cave that looks like somebody had dug the cave with a spade or 'Siam'.
Tham Phra Rot - It is a cave that occurred due to the separation of a stone cliff. Inside the cave, there is a walkway of about 2 metres wide and 30 metres long.
Tham Phra - It is a cave 30 metres in depth. There is a Buddha image that is highly revered by locals. Every year during the Songkran Festival, people would ascend to the cave to pour lustral water on the Buddha image to pay respect.
ROIET : General Information
Posted by Head Hunter | 12/14/2010 06:16:00 PM | guide, northeast, roi et, thailand, tour, travel | 0 comments »Roi Et town is built around a large artificial lake,Bung Phlan Chai,where a large,walking Buddha stands on a small island in its centre.
Tall Buddhas are popular in Roi Et as Wat Buraphaphiram features a 68-metres walking Buddha,with a staircase that enables visitors to climb to knee-high level. Sixty kilometres outside of town, Ku Kasing is a large Khmer sanctuary dating from the 11 th century,and under restoration.
Handicrafts are the province's main product,particularly the Isan khaen, a kind of panpipe made from wood and reeds. These are best made in the small village of Si Kaew. Thanon Phadung Phanit is a good place to buy silk and cotton fabric.
Roi Et has an area of about 8,299 square kilometres, consisting of the following districts: Mueang, Thawat Buri, Selaphum, Phon Thong, Nong Phok, At Samat, Phanom Phrai, Chaturaphak Phiman, Kaset Wisai, Suwannaphum, Pathum Rat, Pho Chai, Mueang Suang, Phon Sai, Moei Wadi, Si Somdet, Changhan, Chiang Khwan, Nong Hi and Thung Khao Luang.
Temple in Nakhon Phanom @ Thailand.
Posted by Head Hunter | 12/07/2010 10:21:00 AM | guide, Nakhon Phanom, northeast, northeast in thailand, thai, thailand, tour, travel, trip | 0 comments »Phrathat Renu. - The stupa houses the ‘Tipitaka’ – the three divisions of the Buddhist Canon, gold and silver Buddha statues, precious items and regalia of Nakhon Phanom’s rulers and noblemen.
Phrathat Si Khun. - The stupa is a sacred place for Na Kae people. Phrathat Si Khun is similar to Phrathat Phanom, but it has different details.
Phrathat Tha Uthen. - The large three-storey, 15-metre high stupa was built in 1911 to cover a tunnel containing precious items as well as to house Arhat’s relic from Yangon.
Phra Bang, Wat Trai Phum. - Phra Bang is a standing Buddha image in the gesture of stopping the flood built in the Lan Xang style. The people believe that the sacred Buddha image always attracts rain whenever the image is taken in a rain-begging parade.
Wat Pho Si. - The temple houses ‘Phra Thong’, a bronze Buddha image in the gesture of subduing Mara built in the Lan Xang style in the early Ayutthaya period. Phra Thong will be watered on the full moon day of the 6th lunar month.
Festivals in Maha Sarakham
Posted by Head Hunter | 12/03/2010 12:06:00 PM | guide, northeast, northeast in thailand, thailand, tour, travel, trip | 0 comments »Bun Boek Fa Fair and Red Cross Fair : Held annually on the third lunar day of February to celebrate the early period of harvest season, the fair aims also to conserve Isan cultural heritage. There is parade to honour the goddess of rice and Baisee ceremony. Moreover, fair goers can enjoy various local performances.
Phra That Na Dun Festival : The Celebration is held annually on the full moon of February in Maka Bucha Day at Buddhist Park of Isan. The week long celebration will features Buddhism-related activities such as giving alms to the monks, vipassana practice, dhamma lecture, and the glory performance “Champasi-Natakan”.
On Son Klong Yao Festival : The annual festival is held during March 12-16 at the field by Amphoe Wapi Pathum Office. The fair features long drum contest, float of long drum, Isan traditional performances, beauty contest, performances.
Monkey Feeding Festival : Held every April 2 at Kosamphi Forest Park, Amphoe Kosumpisai, it is festival that people can feed monkeys in Kosumpi Botanical Park.
Rocket Festival : Held every May and April at the field by Amphoe Na Chuak Office, the festival organizes rocket contest and float.
Candle Festival : The festival is held at Amphoe Kosum Phisai to mark the Buddhist’s Lent. The festival features float and candle contest.
Boat Race, Loi Kratong, and Candle Boat festival : Held annually to mark the end of Buddhist’s Lent at Bung Bon, close to Kosum Phi Botanical Park, the festival feature boat race, Loi Kratong, and candle boat. Kratong float and cheer leader contest will be held.
Maha Sarakham Province - Thailand Tourist Attractions :
Posted by Head Hunter | 11/29/2010 09:53:00 AM | maha sarakham, northeast, northeast in thailand, thai, thailand, travel, trip | 0 comments » Situated 470 kilometers from Bangkok, Maha Sarakham is a small province in the North East part of Thailand. Being the educational hub of the region, this place is also known as "Taksila of Isan". Maha Sarakham is famous for its historical sites, beautiful Buddha images, exquisite hand woven silk and cotton fabric.
There are 2 important temples -- Wat Suwanawas, housing the Phra Buddha Ming Muang and Wat Puttha Monkhon, housing the image of Phra Buddha Yuen Mongkhon. Both these temples are important places of worship in Maha Sarakham province. Located in Kantharawichai in the province of Maha Sarakham, these ancient images of standing Buddha are made of red sandstone in Dvaravati-style and both are over 1,000 years old.
Another important Buddha image, named Phra Buddha Ratanamonkhol Mahamunee, housed in Wat Buraphaphiram is said to be the tallest standing Buddha image in the world and attracts a large number of tourists everyday. An important tourist destination is the Phra That Nadoon Chedi, housing some of Buddha's relics. The location of the Chedi in a beautiful park making it an attractive place to visit.
Kosamphi Forest Park famous for its monkey population is located on the Mun riverbank. Worth a visit are also the Chi Long Forest Park and the Pa Dun Lamphan Forest Park, both of which house a large variety of flora and fauna. Trekking and bird watching in these forest parks are a delight.
Although there is no direct train from Bangkok to Maha Sarakham, tourists can take a train directly up to Khon Kaen and take a connecting bus to Maha Sarakham. Both air-conditioned and non air-conditioned buses are available from Bangkok's Mochit 2 Bus Terminal to Maha Sarakham every day. Tourists can even fly from Bangkok to Khon Kaen and then take a connecting bus to Maha Sarakham.
Transportation to Khon Kaen
Posted by Head Hunter | 11/23/2010 09:20:00 AM | khon kaen, northeast, thai, thailand, travel, trip | 0 comments »Road system
Road connect to Bangkok and central region by national highway No.2
Road connect to Northern region by national highway No.12
Road connect to Vientiane (Laos) via Udonthani and Nong Khai by national highway No.2
Public bus at Khonkaen city
2 Public bus station (locals bus and inter-province bus).
Hourly public bus to Bangkok.
Daily public bus to Major city in northern, central,eastern region.
Railway
Railway system to Bangkok available at Khonkaen railway station.
Air transportation
Air transportation to Bangkok available at Khonkaen airport Khon Kaen Airport(KKC).
Transport to Udon Thani in Thailand
Posted by Head Hunter | 11/22/2010 09:38:00 AM | northeast, northeast in thailand, thai, thailand, travel, trip, Udon Thani | 0 comments »Air
Strategically important for the Isan region's infrastructure, Udon Thani's airport was raised to international standard in 2006 with the opening of a new terminal to compliment its existing domestic arrival and departure building which is now defunct. At peak times of the year there may be as many as 20 scheduled flights per day operating in and out of Udon Thani, thus making it one of the country's busiest domestic airports.[citation needed] Currently, two budget airlines, Air Asia and Nok Air, and the national carrier, Thai Airways, operate from the airport.
Road
The city is bisected by Mittraphap Road, the highway linking Bangkok with the Northeast and Laos. A modern, multi-lane ringroad system enables through traffic to bypass the city centre either to the west or the east. It connects to the airport and to the main roads leading to Nong Bua Lamphu province in the west and to Sakhon Nakhon in the east.
Rail
A station in the city centre on the main Bangkok - Nong Khai line provides the city with regular services to and from the capital and Nong Khai.
Bus
Essential local and city services are provided by songthew truck and pickup truck busses, while regional and long distance destinations are served by regular bus vehicles from several bus terminals. The long distance 'VIP' First Class busses operate from a terminal in the city centre and connect Udon Thani with daytime and overnight routes to Bangkok and many province capitals.
Travel in Udon Thani at Thailand.
Posted by Head Hunter | 11/21/2010 01:01:00 PM | northeast, northeast in thailand, thai, thailand, tourism, travel, trip, Udon Thani | 0 comments »Kaeng Mon Noi
These rapids are around 800 m away from Wang Yai pond. Cascades against boulders which were eroded by water form beautiful waterfalls at certain points along their course.
Kaeng Hin Hom
These large split-level rapids are around 100 m from Kaeng Mon Noi. The resonant roar is heard in the distance during the rainy season when there is a lot of downpour.
Namtok Than Ngam Forest Park
Around Than Ngam Waterfall is Mixed Deciduous Forest; major species are Ta baek, Pradu, Daeng, Makha mong, Chingchan, and Krabok. The waterfall contains water at certain times; there is a lot of water during the rainy season.
Ban Thai Phuan
This area is an ancient site where archaeological excavation was conducted and many ancient objects were found.
Kham Chanot
This sacred place gains respect from villagers in neighbouring areas. It is said to be an entrance to the water world, a legendary place concerning the great Naga (serpent). Inside, there is a shrine of Chaopu Sisuttho and a sacred well for worship.