Wat Phra That Phanom - one of the most highly revered temples in Thailand

Wat Phra That Phanom

The Wat Phra That Phanom is the sacred walled compound precinct of the Phra That Phanom chedi (or Buddhist stupa). 

It is located about 600 meters west of the Mekong River in the That Phanom district in the southern part of Nakhon Phanom Province in northeastern Thailand.

It was originally built in the 16th century by the Laotian King Setthathirath of Lan Xang. Local people believe in it was built by Monk Maha Kassapa, a chief disciple of Buddha, to enshrine the Buddha's breastbone relics 8 years after Buddha's Nirvana.

It was first constructed as a square brick structure with intricate carvings reminiscent of the Cham or ancient Khmer style sanctuary. This was further added to, embellished, and restored over thousands of years by different groups of devoted people from both sides of the Mekong River.

It fell down in 1975 during a week of heavy rain. Scientific tests were undertaken and found that the innermost brick chamber at the ground level of the Stupa was built about AD 7- 8.

Among the debris of bricks a big bronze casket was found. Inside it was a multi-layered set of gold cases containing and protecting the sacred Relics.

Wat Phra That Phanom

The Wat Phra That Phanom was rebuilt from 1975 to 1979 with money from the government and from donations from the public. They used as much as possible of the original material, strengthened its base, and symbolic ornaments were made by arts and crafts experts. The restoration was a team effort involving the co-operation of advisors, experts, technicians, artisans, craftsman and volunteers

The 57 meters high Laotian style chedi can be seen from far away as the temple is approached. It is painted in white and decorated with gold ornaments. The top of the chedi contains 110 kilos of real gold. It looks beautiful when lit up at night. The base of the chedi is decorated with reliefs showing scenes from Brahman mythology.

Wat Phra That Phanom

There are several more structures on the temple complex, including an ubosot (ordination hall) and a number of small, medium and large Buddha statues in several postures & positions. A big Thai gong can be seen nearby. Near the northwest corner of the outer wall is a large elaborate bell tower. The inside of the outer wall is covered and lined with Buddha images in a variety of poses.

Wat Phra That Phanom

A festival is held every year to honour the temple. Thousands of people make pilgrimages during this week-long festival to honour the shrine.

The Wat Phra That Phanom continues to serve as a centre of spiritual inspiration for the promotion of harmony and peace among the people in the region.

Wat Phra That Phanom

Admission: free
Open: daily during daylight hours

Phone: +66 42 540 150
Email: watthat.com@hotmail.com
Address: 183/13 Chayangkun Rd, Tambon That Phanom, Amphoe That Phanom, Chang Wat Nakhon Phanom 48110, Thailand

Website: http://www.watthat.com/