Wat Khao Tham Thiam

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Operating day: Daily

Operating time: 08.00 - 17.00

 

Wat Khao Tham Thiam U Thong, U Thong, Suphan Buri. It is believed to be the first Buddhist temple in Thailand. Approximately 300 years after the Buddha's parinirvana, the Third Buddhist Council was held under the patronage of Emperor Ashoka in Pataliputra. Subsequently, missionary monks—namely Phra Sona, Phra Muninda Thera, Phra Jhaninda Thera, Phra Bhurinda Thera, and Phra Uttara Thera—were sent to Suvarnabhumi to propagate Buddhism.

 

The ancient Sanskrit inscriptions refer to the name “Pushpagiri” or “Pushyakiri,” which translates to "mountain of flowers," due to the presence of beautiful flowers such as the Golden Trumpet (Supanniga) and tri-colored Kapok blossoms. Interestingly, the name Pushyakiri corresponds to Pushpagiri Vihara, located in Sanchi, Odisha, India.

 

The world's largest carved rock Buddha statue, with a lap width of 65 meters and a height of 84 meters, is known as Somdet Phra Phuttha Pushyakiri Si Suvarnabhumi, or Luang Pho U Thong in the U Thong art style. This statue, depicting the Buddha in the posture of overcoming Mara, is still under construction and was projected to be completed by 2014.

 

The History of Wat Khao Tham Thiam The temple is known by several names, including Wat Khao Tham Thiam, Wat Khao Tham Theiam Sawan, and Wat Khao Kham Thiam. The name "Tham Thiam" could imply "a pair," as it may have been established alongside Wat Khao Phra. Historical records indicate that both temples were constructed simultaneously in 1917 and officially recognized as monasteries in 1928.

 

The temple area includes ancient religious structures, such as a historic ordination hall (Ubosot) dating back to the early Ayutthaya period, and a stupa base from the same era. Old Buddha images discovered at Wat Khao Tham Thiam are now preserved in museums, and the most exquisite Dharmachakra (wheel of the law) discovered in 1976 is a testament to the temple’s historical significance.

 

Indian archaeological records support the idea that Wat Khao Tham Thiam is linked to early Buddhist dissemination in Southeast Asia. During the 12th Buddhist century, the Chinese monk Xuanzang recorded visiting Pushpagiri in Utkala (modern Odisha). This vihara had 10 stupas, built by Emperor Ashoka, which emitted radiant light on Uposatha days, attracting devotees.

 

Between 1996 and 2001, archaeologists uncovered remnants of the ancient Pushpagiri Monastery at Langudi Hill, Odisha, including inscriptions confirming its construction during Emperor Ashoka's reign. A significant discovery was a stone inscription with the name "Chhi Karena Ranja Asokhena" (King Ashoka) and the first known stone-carved image of Emperor Ashoka.

 

Pushpagiri Vihara in Odisha likely served as a hub for traders and monks traveling between ancient Indian port cities and Suvarnabhumi, including U Thong in Thailand. Sanskrit inscriptions discovered at U Thong also reference "Pushyakiri," suggesting that missionary monks, including Phra Sona and Phra Uttara, resided there while propagating Buddhism.

 

Today, under the leadership of the abbot, Phra Maha Pichai Dhammawijo, Wat Khao Tham Thiam continues to promote Buddhist teachings, particularly among the youth, while preserving its historical and cultural heritage.