Wat Phra That Sri Chom Thong

The Wat is right next to the main road (Highway 108) in the middle of Chom Thong town, so you don’t have to go out of your way to see it. The temple is thought to be one of the oldest Buddhist temples in the north of Thailand. Its sumptuously decorated exteriors, its fully-gilded chedi and the huge, magnificent and serene bronze Buddha image (Luang Phor Phet) in the impressive viharn are true glories of Thai Theravada Buddhist art.

The present temple was constructed in the early 19th century on an ancient site legendarily visited by the Lord Buddha, who foretold that it would house a holy relic. Religious buildings have existed on the site for at least 1,200 years.

The temple is a popular pilgrimage site due to its holy relic, the Holy Dakkhinamoli Relic, which unusually is not buried under the chedi as are most relics, but kept in a container that is paraded on special occasions. Crowds of worshippers arrive from all over the north of Thailand to celebrate the major Buddhist festivals, make merit and catch a glimpse of the holy relic.

One of the temple’s most striking sights is a cluster of enormous pillars placed under the branches of the bo tree; offering support to the bo tree is symbolic of re-affirming faith, and placing such pillars is a popular form of merit making.

The temple’s large compound also houses a residential Insight Meditation Centre which provides three-week introductory courses in insight meditation based on the Four Foundations of Mindfulness. Contact the office here for further information.

There are also shorter retreats for more advanced meditators. Students are expected to observe the Eight Buddhist Precepts while at the temple and are subject to the same regime as the monks, including getting up at 4am each day.