Wat Phra That Choeng Chum
Footprints of the four incarnations of the Buddha
Phra That Choeng Chum chedi built 17th century
Sakhon Nakhon town
In the center of Sakhon Nakhon town, close to the vast Nong Han Lake is the Wat Phra That Choeng Chum. Originally a 10th century Khmer monastery, the temple is highly revered as it is believed that the four incarnations of the Buddha came to this spot and pressed their footprint in the soil. The chedi was built to cover the footprints of the four Buddhas.
Pilgrimage site
The temple that derives its name from the Phra That Choeng Chum chedi, is an important pilgrimage site for Thai Buddhists. The white and gold chedi is shown on the provincial seal and on the 10 Satang coin.
Phra That Choeng Chum chedi
The chedi named Phra That Choeng Chum was built in the 17th century, the time of the Ayutthaya Kingdom. The Lao style slender chedi set on a square base is 24 meters high and topped with a multi tiered solid gold umbrella. The brick tower shaped in the form of an angled lotus bud was built over the spot of the Buddha footprints.
Footprints of the 4 incarnations of the Buddha
According to the legend of Urangkathat, an ancient chronicle, the four incarnations of the Buddha came to press their footprint at this location. It is believed that the fifth, yet to come Buddha, will also come to press his footprint into the soil at this spot.
Built over a Khmer prang
The chedi was built over a much smaller Khmer prang. The Khmer laterite prang dates from the 10th century when Sakhon Nakhon was an important town of the Khmer empire. Khmer script on the entrance can still be seen that tells about the history of the prang.
Chiang Saen style Buddha from 1257
Inside the temple’s viharn are several rows of white pillars supporting the roof. Opposite the entrance is the Luang Phor Phra Ong Saen Buddha, an image cast in the Chiang Saen style in 1257. Behind the Buddha is a large arched door leading to a small room where several old Buddha images and relics are enshrined behind a fence.
Also on the grounds
Also on the grounds are a number of stones in the shape of large canon balls. These are the luuk nimit, that are usually buried in the ground under the sema stones, that mark the sacred area of the ubosot (ordination hall).
Other temple structures are an ubosot and a well with a large five headed Naga serpent wrapped around it.
Wax Castle Festival
At the end of Buddhist lent day (end of the rains retreat), usually in October, the temple is the scene of the Wax Castle Festival. During the Wax Candle procession models of shrines, temples and castles made out of sculpted bees wax are paraded around the town of Sakhon Nakhon and displayed at the temple. Several cultural performances as well as longboat races on the river are also held during the festival.
How to get to the Wat Phra That Choeng Chum
The temple is located in the center of Sakhon Nakhon town, the capital of Sakhon Nakhon province in Northeast Thailand. It is found on the intersection of Charoen Muang road and Rueang Sawat road, close to Nong Han lake.
Get there by samlor or motorbike taxi, agree on the price before leaving.
Opening hours
The temple opens daily during daylight hours, from 6 am until 6 pm.
Entrance fee
Admission is free.