Thursday, May 26, 2011

Wat Tha Sung : Uttraradit

Wat Tha Sung (another name is Wat Chantharam) is at Mu 2, Tambon Nam Sum. It is an old temple from the Ayutthaya period. It was formerly called “Wat Chan” which is the name of an abbot. Wat Chantharam later was abandoned until 1789 when the monk Luang Pho Yai came here. Villagers asked him to become the abbot of the temple and he renovated it.

The first location of the temple was on the bank of Sakae Krang River. The artifact of the place is a pulpit built by Luang Pho Yai that is opposite the temple. More buildings were later added by the monk Phra Ratchaphrom Yan Nen (Luang Pho Ruesi Ling Dam). The new convocation hall is beautiful with an ornately decorated interior.

The inner windows and doors have pictures of angels. His Majesty the King presided over a ceremony to officially open the building. Surronding the building is a traditional columned wall. Images of Luang Pho Pan and Luang Pho Yai 3 times the actual size is at the corner of the front wall. Furthermore, the new site has a wide area as well as many pavilions with accommodation for meditation. The main hall is open during 09.00-11.45 hrs. and 14.00-16.00 hrs. daily.

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Wat Ming Mueang : Nan



Wat Ming Mueang
is on Suriyaphong Road. It was constructed in 1857. Its distinguishing point is the stucco reliefs on the outer wall of the ubosot, presenting the skill of the Chiang Saen craftsmen. The patterns are very exquisite. Within the ubosot are mural paintings depicting the lifestyles of the Nan people by present-day local craftsmen. Moreover, within the compound of the temple stands the city pillar in a cruciform-plan pavilion at its front. The city pillar is 3 metres high. Its base is decorated with engraved and gilded wooden design. The top of the pillar was engraved into 4 faces of the Brahma God, representing Phrom Wihan (Brahmavihara) 4 – the four sublime states of mind; namely, Metta - kindness, Karuna - compassion, Mudita – sympathy, and Upekkha - equanimity.

Wat Woranat Banphot : Nakhon Sawan


Wat Woranat Banphot (Khao Kop) is an old temple of the province on the peak of Khao Kop 185.5 meters above sea level. There are 2 ways up; a stairway of 439 steps and an asphalt road 3 meters wide. The peak has a replica of Lord Buddhas Footprint and a pagoda encasing the relic of Lord Buddha built when Sukhothai was the countrys capital. The temple was praised by the Department of Religious Affairs as the best development temple of 1966. A nearby hill is the site of some television relay stations.

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Wat Phra Boromthat and Ancient Tak City : Tak



The area of Wat Phra Boromthat in Amphoe Ban Tak is the former site of Ancient Tak City. Lying along the bank of Maenam Ping, approximately 25 kilometers north of the City, the site contains several ruins including the legendary hill-top pagoda in Phum Khao Binth style (of Sukhothai era).

The pagoda was built by King Ramkhamhaeng the Great to mark his victory in the hand to hand combat on the elephants back against King Khun Sam Chon, the ruler of Muang Chot (currently Amphoe Mae Sot). The pagoda shares Myanmar's famous Chawedagong's features and houses holy Buddha relics. Locally known as the royal pagoda or Chedi Yutta Hatthi, it is located next to Wat Phra Boromthat.

The temple (Wat Phra Boromthat) itself is extraordinary with wooden door panels and roof decorations that are magnificently crafted. In addition, the story of the Lord Buddha is depicted on the temples wooden window panels which are covered in real gold.

Photo credits to thai-tour.com

Wat Si Talaram : Tak



Located in Trok Ban Chin, Wat Sri Talaram is not just an ordinary temple located in a peaceful area. The most unique feature of Wat Sri Talaram is its European-style architecture, reflected in its ordination hall. In addition, enshrined within the sermon hall made of carved wood is an ancient Ayuthaya-style Buddha image.
Photo credits to thai-tour.com