Sīvali – Wat Bang Khla

He is the patron saint of travel and is believed to ward off misfortunes at home such as fire or theft. His veneration predates the introduction of Theravada Buddhism into Burma.

Sīvali is typically depicted standing upright and carrying a walking staff, an alms bowl, and Buddhist prayer beads. Born to Queen Suppavasa, Sīvali is believed to have remained in his mother’s womb for seven years because of past karma. After a week in labor, Sīvali’s mother gave birth to a precocious boy who could immediately speak. Thereafter, Gautama Buddha’s chief disciple, Sariputta, admitted Sīvali into the Sangha. The Burmese believe that he is still living, that he can be invoked to come by a special incantation, and that his mere invisible presence will bring them prosperity and good fortune

Sivali is worshiped by the Thai people as the greatest fortune-fetching monk. Sivali was an important disciple of Lord Buddha. He was praised by the Lord as the most miraculous monk for fortune. Some say that Thai Bhikkhu pays reverence to Sivali Thera which brought prosperity to Thailand, a Theravada Buddhist country. Sivali was also known as the deity who brought in good luck and wealth in abundance.