Rating: 3.7/5 (7 votes)

Operating day: daily

Operating time: 08.00 - 17.00

 

Wat Sunthorn Pichittaram Phra Achan, Ongkharak, Nakhon Nayok. Wat Sunthorn Phichitaram, also known as "Wat Bung Phra Achan," is a lay Buddhist temple under the Mahanikaya sect, located in Tambon Phra Achan, Ongkharak District, Nakhon Nayok Province. This temple is not only a spiritual center for the local community but also a place rich in legends, sacredness, and a long history of Buddhism.

 

Historical Background Founded in 2460 BE (1917), Wat Sunthorn Phichitaram was established as a place for meditation and Buddhist activities for the local community. Later, on October 3, 2000, it was granted the official ecclesiastical boundary (visungkamasima), marking an important milestone in the development of the temple into an official center of religious practice.

 

The temple is famous for a local legend about a monk who possessed great magical powers. It is said that he transformed into a large crocodile to help his disciples safely cross the swamp, protecting them from the crocodiles that lived there. However, due to a mishap during a ritual in which a sacred water bowl was overturned, the monk could not return to his original form and was forced to remain in the form of a crocodile, meditating in the swamp. The locals began calling the swamp "Bung Phra Achan," which later became the informal name of the temple.

 

The water in Bung Phra Achan is still revered as sacred and is believed to have healing properties. It is used in important state rituals, such as the "Sueb Chata" (prayers for life) and other royal ceremonies, and is considered a sacred source of water for the community.

 

Wat Sunthorn Phichitaram has been home to many revered monks, including Phra Khru Methee Thammasathok (Luang Por Nu Kesaro), the former abbot of Ongkharak District, who was highly respected by the local people. Currently, the temple is under the leadership of Phra Khru Khunsaroso Phit (Luang Por Thongbai Khunsaro), who has led efforts to restore and improve the temple, making it a peaceful and orderly place that supports religious practices. He has also been instrumental in providing moral and spiritual education to both youth and adults in the community.

 

Another notable feature of the temple is the creation of a large statue of Phra Phuttha Sothorn, along with smaller replicas, to allow Buddhists to pay their respects. This statue has become a focal point of devotion for the local people, symbolizing the strong cooperation between the temple and the community.

 

Wat Sunthorn Phichitaram is not only valuable as a community temple where religious activities are practiced in full but also rich in cultural significance, local beliefs, and legends that reflect the wisdom and spirit of the area.

 

Anyone visiting Ongkharak District in Nakhon Nayok Province should not miss the opportunity to visit Wat Sunthorn Phichitaram, to experience its peaceful atmosphere, pay respects to the Phra Phuttha Sothorn statue, and be a part of the continued spiritual legacy of Bung Phra Achan that endures in the community.