[ Chou Siharaja Choutang ]
On the auspicious day of 15 April, 2025, the serene temple campus of Manfaiseng village, nestled in the spiritual heart of Namsai district, came alive in celebration of the International Maha Songkran Festival – widely known as the Water Festival.
The event was a grand convergence of cultures and spiritual unity. Dignitaries from across the globe graced the occasion, including His Excellency the Ambassador of Italy, accompanied by his daughter, and a revered delegation from Thailand. The festival was made a resounding success under the esteemed leadership of Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, who led the hosts with grace and dedication. Many other distinguished guests, including the MLA of Namsai, were also present to witness this vibrant blend of tradition, faith, and festivity.
Among the many spiritual elements that enriched the day, the attention and reverence of the gathering turned towards the sacred statue of the Buddha at the heart of the temple – a revered image known locally as ‘Fra Soi Tansa’, and more popularly as ‘Fra Sutong Pe’, the Wish-Fulfilling Fra.
The Wish-Fulfilling Fra: A living faith
The Fra Sutong Pe holds a special place in the spiritual lives of devotees, not merely as a religious symbol but as a living embodiment of hope and divine fulfilment. For over four generations, it has been believed – and witnessed – that those who offer prayers with sincerity, compassion, and a pure heart often see their deepest wishes fulfilled.
This sacred tradition is not rooted in superstition, but in a profound cultural metaphor that highlights the spiritual responsiveness of the universe. When desires are born of goodwill, selflessness, and truth, the cosmos does not resist – it responds.
A divine mystery: Light from the sacred
The Fra Sutong Pe is also known for its supernatural aura. It is said that on special and auspicious full moon nights, the statue emits a divine light called ‘Poi Long Tou’, which resembles a rainbow and is visible only to the truly virtuous and fortunate. This divine radiance is believed to travel southward, towards the temple of its elder counterpart in Kaliyoni village in Golaghat district of Assam.
According to sacred oral traditions, both statues – Fra Sutong Pe of Manfaiseng and its elder twin in Kaliyoni – were carved from a single sacred tree split into two. This spiritual kinship forms the basis of a long-held belief that the two statues share divine attributes and are spiritually connected. Every year, large numbers of devotees from near and far visit both temples to seek blessings and offer prayers.
Preserving the legacy
The legacy of the Fra Sutong Pe is deeply woven into the fabric of the local community’s spiritual consciousness. Passed down from the days of our great-grandparents, it remains a cherished and powerful symbol of hope, healing, and divine connection. While many tales of miracles remain quietly shared among devotees, the temple stands as a beacon of unwavering faith.
In time, it is our hope to document and share the complete folktales and spiritual history of these sacred entities, so that future generations may continue to draw strength from their message of compassion and faith.
May the blessings of Fra Sutong Pe continue to illuminate our lives with peace, harmony, and the fulfilment of righteous wishes. (Chou Siharaja Choutang is president, Tai Khamti Development Society. Written with inputs from Chau Khouk Longchot)
