On 27 JULY 2024 the Herostone at Wat ThaWorn Wararam was relocated to a new position. After placement of the stone next to the chedi on 1 MAY, there were concerns about the weight of the stone on the floor surface. Cracks can be seen extending from the corners of the chedi across the walkway. These are tiny but it suggests that the base that was placed to attempt to distribute the weight was perhaps insufficient. There are no plans or documents to tell us what exactly is under the current walkway. For certain, it is not the burial vault itself which is not thought to extent above the ground level. But no one knows what is under-pinning the actual chedi. So after consultation with the abbot and temple elders, it was decided that it would be safest to re-locate the Nadukal.
First the base for the new location was prepared. Milk and honey then precious stones and metals were added. A copper plaque with the names of the committee and some sandalwood was added. Personal items and Thai currency was placed.
The stone weighing nearly 3 tons was rigged and moved slowly by a crane. It was then re-rigged to be set precisely into place. A brief ceremony of thanks and praise was made to honor the Lord Shiva in his new home.
The new location is just outside the actual chedi and has the Lord Shiva facing due east as per preferred custom.
