Wat Plot Sat located in Moo 4, Ban Hae Subdistrict, Mueang District, Ang Thong Province, is about 7 kilometers away from the town center. This temple holds historical and cultural significance, distinguished by its beautiful architecture, particularly the towering Thupakar Chedi, which is visible from afar. The temple is renowned as a sacred site, especially for those born in the Year of the Dog or the Year of the Snake, as worshipping here is believed to bring great blessings and good fortune.

 

The origins of Wat Plot Sat date back to the late Ayutthaya period. The temple was initially named "Wat Sakae" and was abandoned for many years. During the reign of King Rama IV (King Mongkut), Khun Thammakan (Thongkham) renovated and restored the temple in approximately 1857. The restored temple was renamed "Wat Damrong Tham," marking its revival as a functional religious site.

 

Later, when Prince Vajirañāṇavarorasa, the 10th Supreme Patriarch of Rattanakosin, visited the temple, he noted that the name should reflect the local name, "Ban Hae," a village known for its fishing traditions. The name "Wat Plot Sat," meaning the "Temple of Animal Release," was suggested, symbolizing the liberation of animals from nets, and thus, the name was officially changed.

 

The restoration of Wat Plot Sat during King Rama IV's reign was a pivotal moment, bringing the temple back to life as a fully functioning site for religious ceremonies. The temple complex included the construction of the old ubosot (ordination hall) and other structures essential for religious practice. Additionally, the temple was granted the royal Wisungkhama Siima boundary on February 20, 1884, marking it as an official temple of the Dhammayutika Nikaya sect in Ang Thong Province.

 

Wat Plot Sat is renowned for its Thupakar Chedi, a tall, striking pagoda with stunning architectural design. The chedi stands seven stories high, with a base measuring 7 meters and 7 centimeters wide, facing east. The structure is modeled after the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, India, symbolizing the deep connection to Buddhism. The six tiers of the chedi represent the six heavens in Buddhist cosmology, with the top tier representing the celestial Chedi of Ket Kaew Chulamani, believed to reside in the highest heaven.

 

This chedi is not only a significant religious monument but also a popular site for locals and visitors to pay their respects. It is believed that those born in the Year of the Dog or Year of the Snake will receive great merit and blessings by worshipping the Thupakar Chedi, bringing them success in health, work, and life.

 

Wat Plot Sat plays an essential role in the Ban Hae community and surrounding areas, serving as both a religious center and a cultural hub. The temple hosts various religious ceremonies and local traditions, deeply intertwined with the daily lives of the villagers. In addition, the serene natural surroundings of the temple make it an ideal place for visitors to relax and meditate, providing a peaceful atmosphere for spiritual practice.

 

How to Get to Wat Plot Sat Wat Plot Sat is easily accessible, located just 7 kilometers from Ang Thong’s city center. Visitors can conveniently travel by private vehicle, following Highway 3501 between kilometers 3 and 4. Upon arrival, visitors are greeted with the temple’s beautiful scenery and the towering Thupakar Chedi, which stands majestically, offering a sense of peace and spiritual fulfillment.

 

Wat Plot Sat in Ang Thong Province is a historically and religiously significant temple, featuring the striking Thupakar Chedi, a beautiful symbol of the temple. It serves as both a religious site and a center of community life in Ban Hae, attracting visitors from near and far. With its serene atmosphere and awe-inspiring architecture, Wat Plot Sat is a must-visit location for those seeking spiritual merit and tranquility.