The image on this bench was inspired by the legend of the construction of Phra Borommathat Sawi. According to the legend, King Si Thamma Sokarat led his army to set up camp near an abandoned temple. There, he saw a flock of crows and white crows gathering on an old pile of bricks, cawing loudly and flapping their wings. When the pile of bricks was removed, the base of an ancient stupa was discovered. After digging deeper, a reliquary containing the Buddha’s relics was found. The king then ordered a new stupa to be built in its place. It became known as Phra Borommathat Kawi Peek, meaning “the Buddha’s relic stupa of the flapping crows.” Over time, the word “Kawi” was gradually transformed into “Sawi.”
However, based on its artistic style, it is assumed that the ancient monument of Wat Phra That Sawi was built during the Ayutthaya period and underwent several restorations. It was likely influenced by the artistic style of Phra Mahathat Chedi in Nakhon Si Thammarat.
During the reign of King Vajiravudh, Rama VI, Phra Borommathat Sawi underwent a major restoration. This has allowed the stupa to remain firmly enshrined and preserved up to the present day.
