SACRED SITES AND SHRINES
NORTHEASTERN THAILAND
THE SACRED STUPA TRAIL
KHON KAEN – MAHA SARAKHAM – ROI ET
SACRED STUPAS (PHRA THAT)
Many chedis or stupas contain holy relics, pieces of bone of the historical Buddha. In Northern and Northeastern Thailand, these chedis are called ‘phra that’. The word ‘chedi’ originates from the word ‘cetiya’ in Pali. The chedi, or stupa, is a solid cone-shaped monument. Chedis throughout the Thai kingdom reflect a vast range of architectural styles. Some take the shape of an inverted bowl or bell-shaped structure while those in Northern Thailand are multi-sided and more elaborate. Chedis symbolise the enduring stability of Buddhism.
KHON KAEN
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Phra That Kham Kaen at Wat Chetiyaphum temple
The temple is home to Phra That Kham Kaen, the provincial landmark. The stupa, topped with a golden spire, houses the holy relics of the historical Buddha and is a sacred site. An annual Buddhist festival is held during the sixth lunar month. |
Location:
26 km from town on the Khon Kaen-Kalasin highway. Cross the Phong River, turn left and continue for another 14 kms.
Tel: (0) 4343 6088
Nearby attraction: Bueng Planchai Lake
Bueng Planchai is a man-made lake located in the city centre.
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Phra Mahathat Kaen Nakhon at Wat Nong Waeng temple
The royal temple of Wat Nong Waeng is home to Phra Mahathat Kaen Nakhon, a nine-storey, 80-metre tall stupa built to commemorate the auspicious occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s accession to the throne and to mark the Khon Kaen bicentennial. Holy relics of the historical Buddha are enshrined on the ninth floor.
An exact replica of Phra That Kham Kaen at Wat Chetiyaphum temple, the stupa at Wat Nong Waeng temple features a blend of two architectural styles — Dvaravati and I-san Tak Hae, an indigenous style that reflects the cultural influences of the neighbouring countries of Indochina.
The main stupa is surrounded by four smaller stupas. Walls enclosing the inner courtyards of the temple called kampaeng kaeow are decorated with seven-headed Naga, the mythical serpent king.
BUDDHIST TALES OF THE NAGA
Naga, the Serpent King is mentioned in Buddhist folklore.
As Lord Buddha went about his quest preaching to his disciples and devout followers, Naga, the serpent king watched in fascination and soon aspired to be one of the disciples of the Lord Buddha. Endowed with powers to assume various forms, the Naga transformed itself into a human form and mingled in the midst of the disciples, listening to the sermons. However, when the Naga drifted off to sleep, the spell that was cast wore off and the impostor was exposed. With this revelation, the Lord Buddha told the Naga that as a beast, and not an earthling, it could not be ordained into monkhood and was forbidden from entering temples.
Hence in Buddhist temple architecture, the Naga is either depicted coiled around the outer walls of the temple or along the stairs leading to the entrance to the temple. However, the Lord Buddha had elicited such devotion from the Naga that in spite of the ban from monkhood, Naga continued to keep its vigil over the Lord Buddha, protecting him from harm.
The statue of the Lord Buddha seated on the body of a coiled serpent and sheltered from the rain by the seven hoods of the Naga commonly featured in the Buddhist sculptures of Northeastern Thailand is one of the most significant postures.
It is said that while Lord Buddha was meditating, Mara, the Evil One sought to distract his concentration by invoking a storm. Muchalinda, the Serpent King, emerged from the roots of the tree where Lord Buddha was seated to offer protection from the rains and floods. |
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Having paid their respects to holy relics at Phra Mahathat Kaen Nakhon, most visitors stop to enjoy the 360-degrees panoramic view of Khon Kaen. Beung Kaen Nakhon lake is visible to the east.
Contact information:
Tel: (0) 4322 1664, (0) 4332 0830 |
ROI ET PROVINCE
Known as the "diamond of I-san", Roi Et Province has strong Buddhist traditions.
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Phra Maha Chedi Chaimongkon
The 109-metre-tall chedi, topped with an 8-metre golden spire, stands on 7,000 square metres of land straddling three provinces — Roi Et, Kalasin and Mukdahan. Built in the I-san (Northeastern Thai) style and believed to be the biggest stupa in Northeastern Thailand, Phra Maha Chedi Chaimongkon is adorned with splendid gold motif that glitter when they catch the rays of the sun. Sixty kilograms of gold were used in its construction. Holy relics of Lord Buddha are enshrined on the sixth level of the stupa. The main chedi, which stands on 16 hectares of land, is surrounded by eight smaller chedi, marking the eight compass points.
Location:
Phra Maha Chedi Chaimongkon is located in Tambon Nam Yoi sub-district, Amphoe Nong Phok district of Roi Et province. Tambon Nam Yoi is located approximately 80 km from the city centre and is easily accessible via paved asphalt roads. Take the Roi Et-Mukdahan Highway (Highway 2044) that passes Amphoe Phone Thong district and Highway 2136 that passes Nong Phok district.
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Wat Burapha Piraam temple
The temple is home to Phra Buddha Rattana Mongkon Maha Munii, also known as Ong Phra Chao Yai or Phra Suung Yai, the tall standing Buddha. Believed to be the tallest, standing Buddha in the kingdom, Phra Buddha Rattana Mongkon Maha Munii stands 67.8 metres high, measured from the base to the top of the crown. The highly revered principle Buddha image stands in the ‘Offering Blessings’ (prang prataan porn). Several rooms located in the basement of the statue serve as a museum. Opening hours: 08.00 – 17.30 hrs. |
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ATTRACTIONS IN ROI ET PROVINCE
ROI ET NATIONAL MUSEUM
An Information Centre for Cultural Heritage and Local History
In 1993, the Fine Arts Department began establishing provincial museums throughout Thailand. Construction of the Roi Et National Museum was completed in 1997.
Exhibits provide an introduction to the geography as well as the cultural and historical landscape of the region. Ancient artefacts and items excavated from archaeological sites around Roi Et province are on display at the museum. Colourful showcases, models and miniature displays provide insight into historical events as well as cultural traditions, the indigenous way of life, folk knowledge and traditional arts and crafts. The simple way of life in this mostly rural province is reflected in its arts and crafts, especially in the weaving of textiles. Collections of local art and handicrafts are displayed and the daily life of the people of Roi-Et highlighted.
- 1st floor
Geology, geography and history of Roi-Et Province, including an
introduction to historical peoples and national artists of the region,
- 2nd floor
Regional archaeology and art history of Roi-Et province
Model of an old Chinese clay house, Roi-Et province
Collection of silk textiles, Rot-Et Province
- 3rd floor
Textile section
Other arts and crafts are also included on this floor, along with information on traditions in the daily life of the local residents. A diorama depicts arrangements made for the Bun Phawet Buddhist Ceremony in Roi-Et province
Geography and landscape:
Thung Kula Rong Hai
The desolate and barren flatlands that extend across the four northeastern provinces of Surin, Roi Et, Maha Sarakham and Buriram is home to a hardy nomadic tribe called the Kula. Baked by the scorching sun in the summer and inundated by thunderstorms and flashfloods in the rainy season, Thung Kula Rong Hai is devoid of natural water sources and tree cover. Hence it has been aptly named Thung Kula Rong Hai — fields of the weeping Kula. In more recent times with significant advances being made in agricultural research and development, land reform initiatives have been introduced and vast areas of Thung Kula Rong Hai have now been partially developed for agriculture and farming.
Opening hours: 09.00 – 16.00
Closed on Monday, Tuesday and public holidays
Web site: http://www.thailandmuseum.com/thaimuseum_eng/roiet/history.htm |
MAHA SARAKHAM PROVINCE
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Phra That Na Dun
The district of Na Dun is home to an archaeological site that reflects the past glory of the ancient city of Nakhon Champsri. It is also an important Buddhist site. During the excavation, holy relics of the historical Buddha encased in bronze container enshrined in a stupa, dating back to the Dvaravati era (13th-14th century), were found at the site.
State authorities later approved the construction of the Phra That Na Dun stupa at the same site. Ancient artefacts and other archaeological findings discovered at the site are now on display at Khon Kaen National Museum.
Phra That Na Dun Makha Bucha Celebrations
Annual celebrations to mark Makha Bucha, an important day in the Buddhist lunar calendar, are usually held on the night of the full moon in the third lunar month. Buddhist worshippers make a pilgrimage to the site of the Phra That Na Dun to pay their respects. The rarely seen Champasri folk dance is performed.
Makha Bucha Day
Makha Bucha Day falls on the full moon night of the third lunar month and marks the day Lord Buddha recited the "Ovadha Patimokkha" (Fundamental Teaching) to his disciples. Makha Bucha commemorates two separate events that occurred on the same date, but 44 years apart, during the Buddha's lifetime 2,500 years ago. The first event was the unexpected gathering of 1,250 monks from all locations and directions. All of them were Arhanta, the Enlightened One, and each had found their way to the same location, without any prior notification, to meet and be ordained by Lord Buddha.
The second event occurred 44 years later when Lord Buddha delivered his teachings shortly before his death. Both of these events occurred on the day of the full moon of the third lunar month, a month known in the Buddhist Pali language as 'Makha'. The 'Bucha', also a Pali word, means to venerate or to honour. Thus, Makha Bucha Day is for the veneration of Buddha and his teachings on the full moon day of the third lunar month.
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Getting to the site
The district of Na Dun is located approximately 65 km from the city centre and is easily accessible via paved asphalt roads. Take Route 2040 from the city centre and drive past the districts of Amphoe Kae Dam and Amphoe Wapi Pathum. Turn left into Route 2045 to get to Na Dun.
Contact information:
Phra That Na Dun Foundation
Tel: (0) 4379 7129
Na Dun District Office
Tel: (0) 4379 7110 |
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ATTRACTIONS IN MAHA SARAKHAM PROVINCE
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Walia Rukhawate Research Institute
The institute conducts research into rare plant species indigenous to Northeastern Thailand and promotes the propagation and cultivation of these rare species.
Several other interesting sites are located within the grounds of the institute.
The Bamboo Yard Garden, the Northeastern Plants Hall and Herbs Garden and
fascinating collections on display at the Baan I-San Museum and Cart Museum offer insight into the indigenous way of life in I-San. At Baan I-San Museum, traditional I-San homes, complete with items used in daily life such as utensils, tools and musical instruments are on display, while the Cart Museum houses a collection of traditional I-San carts.
Location:
Situated to the east of Baan Na Dun, Amphoe Na Dun district. The district of Na Dun is located approximately 65 km from the city centre and is easily accessible via paved asphalt roads. Take Highway 2040 from the city centre. Drive past the districts of Amphoe Kae Dam and Amphoe Wapi Dum. Turn right into Highway 2045 heading towards Tambon Na Dun sub-district.
Contact information
Tel: (0) 4379 7048 |
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THE SACRED STUPA TRAIL
Khon Kaen – Maha Sarakham – Roi Et
RECOMMENDED ITINERARY
Day 1
| 08.00 |
Depart for Nong Waeng Royal Temple
Holy relics of the historical Buddha are enshrined in Phra Mahathat Kaen Nakhon stupa |
| 09.00 |
Travel to Wat Chetiyaphum temple
Holy relics of the historical Buddha are enshrined in Phra That Kham Kaen |
| 10.45 |
Depart for Amphoe Phone Thong district in Roi Et province |
| Lunch |
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| 13.00 |
Depart for Phra Maha Chedi Chaimongkon stupa |
| 13.45 |
Pay respects at Phra Maha Chedi Chaimongkon |
| 15.00 |
Depart for Wat Burapha Piraam temple
Pay respects to Phra Buddha Rattana Mongkon Maha Munii, also known as Ong Phra Chao Yai |
Day 2
| 08.00 |
Set off for Bueng Planchai lake
Visit to Roi Et National Museum |
| 10.00 – 11.30 |
Travel to Na Dun district
Arrive in Na Dun district. Lunch. |
| 13.00 |
Tour of Baan I-San Museum, the Carts Museum, the Bamboo Yard Garden and Northeastern Plants Hall and Herbs Garden |
| 14.00 |
Pay homage at Phra That Na Dun stupa |
| 14.45 – 16.45 |
Return trip to Khon Kaen |
Contact information:
TAT Northeastern Office – Region 3
Areas of responsibility: the provinces of Khon Kaen, Roi Et, Maha Sarakham, Kalasin
Tel: (0) 4323 6634, 244498-9
Fax: (0) 4302 44497
E-mail: tatkhkn@tat.or.th
RELIGIOUS TRAVEL
SACRED PILGRIMAGE SITES
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