NORTHEASTERN THAILAND
UBON RATCHATHANI — ‘LAND OF BUDDHISM AND CIVILIZATION’
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Wat Thung Sri Muang temple
The temple, situated near Thung Sri Muang Park, was built during the reign of King Rama III. Two noteworthy artifacts are found within the temple grounds.
The ubosoth (ordination or congregation hall) houses mural paintings depicting the Jataka tales, stories about the past lives of Lord Buddha, including Vessandara and the play, Sangsinchai. The mural paintings also offer valuable insights into the traditional way of life and the folk culture of Northeastern Thailand.
Its Haw Trai or Tripitaka Library which houses ancient Buddhist scriptures provides a brilliant example of ancient folk know-how and reflects the resourcefulness and ingenuity of ancient Thais in their efforts to protect and preserve the priceless holy scriptures. In the hot and humid tropical climate, wooden structures, and items made of pulp, are particularly vulnerable to termite infestation. The wooden structure is raised on pillars over a pond thereby cutting off access to Tripitaka Library and minimising the risk.
Location: near Thung Sri Muang Park |
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Wat Supattanaram Woraviharn temple
The first Dhamma Yuttikanikai temple in the northeast, Wat Supattanaram Woraviharn is the first royal monastery in Ubon Ratchathani. In 1850, King Rama V donated initial funds for the construction of the temple and named it, Supattana, meaning ‘temple in an ideal location’, as the temple is situated on the bank of the Mun River. The ubosoth (ordination or congregation hall) reflects Thai, Chinese and European influences. For example, the gable is adorned with stucco decorated with stained glass and is supported by Roman columns. Two stucco and brick singha, mythical lions, guard the front gate.
Phra Sapphanyu Chao, a magnificent Buddha image in the Mara Vijaya posture, (Victory over Mara or Subduing Mara, the demon), is the principle Buddha image. Ancient artefacts are kept in the Art and Culture Hall.
Location: on the bank of the Mun River, Ubon Ratchathani
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Wat Sri Ubon Rattanaram or Wat Si Thong temple
The ubosoth (ordination or congregation hall) was inspired by the ordination hall of Wat Benjamaborphit temple in Bangkok. Phra Bussaracum (or Topaz Buddha) in the Mara Vijaya pose, is the principle Buddha image installed in this royal monastery. The Buddha image is the designated guardian and protector of Ubon Ratchathani. Sculpted from topaz by a Chiang Saen craftsman, the Buddha image reflects artistic excellence and features the finest qualities of exquisite Buddhist sculpture. The work was commissioned by Chao Pangkham of Chiang Rung, ancestor of the ruling house of Ubon Ratchathani. The Buddha image was a family heirloom invoked in rain-making rituals and subsequently featured in the Songkran Thai New Year Buddhist procession, in which the Buddha image is carried on a palanquin along city streets presenting an opportunity for residents in the community to pay respects to the image by performing a bathing ritual. Lustral water is poured over the Buddha image as a merit-making gesture.
Location: near the city hall on Upparat Road |
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Wat Maha Wananaram temple or Wat Pa Yai
Given the location of the temple in the midst of dense forest (pa yai in Thai) in times past, the temple was aptly named Wat Pa Yai. The temple houses Phra Chai Yai In Paeng, a revered Buddha image in the Mara Vijaya posture (Victory over Mara or Subduing Mara, the demon), also commissioned by the ruling nobility of Ubon Ratchathani. It is the only temple that has preserved the ancient northeastern style of chanting and preaching. Phra Chai Yai In Paeng is also invoked in merit-making rituals during the Songkran Thai New Year celebrations, every April.
Location: Sanpasit Road, Ubon Ratchathani city centre
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Wat Nong Bua temple
The temple is known for its stupa, Phra That Chedi Si Maha Pho, built in 1957 to mark 2,500 years of Buddhism. A replica of the Mahabodhi stupa in Bodhgaya in India, the stupa has an architectural style that is totally unique and distinctive. No other stupas (chedis) found in I-san (Northeastern Thailand) are built in a similar style.
Location: Dhammawithi Road
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Wat Chaeng
Built in 1887 during the reign of King Rama V, the temple has an old wooden sim or ubosoth (ordination hall) that is a superb piece of northeastern craftsmanship. The wooden roof support are carved with mythical ‘king of serpents’ or Naga. The name ‘Ubon’ means lotus in Thai and the lotus is the provincial symbol. Ornately-carved lotus motifs adorn the gable. |
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Wat Nong Papong temple
The temple grounds cover an area of 300 rai and are surrounded by forests, predominantly consisting of phong trees, hence the name of the temple — Wat Nong Papong. Founded by Luang Pho Cha Suphattho, also known as Phra Potiyan Theera, a renowned Vipassana (Buddhist Insight Meditation) monk, Wat Nong Papong temple is best known for its meditation practice. Some 200 temples around the world have adopted the meditation approach initiated by Luang Pho Cha. The ubosoth ordination and congregation hall at the temple is versatile; the raised base of the structure is also used to store rain-water.
Ancient artefacts, such as bronzeware and woven cloths, found in the surrounding fields are housed at Phra Potiyan museum within the temple grounds. Relics of the venerable Luang Pho Cha are enshrined in a northeastern-Lanna (northern Thai) sytle pagoda situated within the temple grounds.
Location: Ban Koh , Noan Hon, Warin Chamrap |
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Wat Pa Nanachart/Bueng Wai Forest Monastery
Wat Pa Nanachart, the nineteenth branch of Wat Nong Pa Phong forest monastery, was established in 1975, as a meditation retreat facility. Internationally-known, devout foreign monks reside at the forest monastery and Buddhist retreat to study Dhamma and practice Vipassana Buddhist insight meditation.
Location: Ban Bueng Wai, Warin Chamrap |
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Wat Prasaansuk temple
Elements of Thai art found in the ubosoth (ordination hall) are very distinctive. The structure for the ubosoth is modelled in the shape of the Suphannahongse Royal Barge and is decorated with ceramic tiles.
Location: Pathum sub-district, city centre |
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Wat Phu Khao Kaeow temple
Various architectural styles and design elements incorporated, such as the four-tiered roof, Khmer style corn-cob-shaped towers called prang, apsaras depicted in Khmer mytholody, and Hindu influence in the columns, all reflect artistic excellence and attests to the skilled craftsmanship of local artisans.
Location: Pibummangsahan district, 44 kms from Ubon Ratchathani on Route 217 |
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Phu Lon Buddhist Centre
An area of natural beauty, Phu Lon Buddhist Centre is well-worth visiting. |
NINE SACRED TEMPLES OF UBON RATCHATHANI
Nine is considered to be an auspicious number in Thai culture. A merit-making pilgrimage to the following nine sacred sites will bring good luck and individuals who complete the journey will earn much merit.
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Wat Sri Ubon Ratanaram |
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Wat Supat Wanaram |
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Wat Luang |
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Wat Tai |
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Wat Burapa |
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Wat Maha Wananaram or Wat Paa Yai |
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Wat Chaeng |
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Wat Maneewanaram or Wat Paa Noi |
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Wat Thung Sri Muang |
Chedi
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. Chedis in Northern Thailand are multi-sided and more elaborate, while others take the shape of an inverted bowl or bell-shaped structure. Chedis symbolise the enduring stability of Buddhism.
Many chedis are believed to house holy relics (pieces of bone) of the historical Buddha. In Northern, as well as Northeastern, Thailand, these stupas are called ‘that’ or ‘phra that’.
Viharn
An assembly hall in a Thai temple or a Buddhist chapel that houses Buddha images and mural paintings. The viharn is used for ceremonies involving both monks and lay people.
Ubosoth (or 'bot')
An ordination hall or Buddhist chapel where monks are ordained. The ubosoth is situated on holy ground marked by sema stones (temple boundary markers). In Northeastern Thailand, the ubosoth known as 'sim'.
Mara
Demon
Contact information:
TAT Northeastern Region Office – Region 2
Areas of responsibility: the provinces of Ubon Ratchathani, Amnat Charoen, Si Sa Ket and Yasothon
Tel: 045 243770, 250714
Fax: 045 243771
E-mail: tatubon@tat.or.th
RELIGIOUS TRAVEL
SACRED PILGRIMAGE SITES
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