Wat Noi Nopphakhun (Wat Noi Luang Por Nieam)

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Operating day: Daily

Operating time: 08.00 - 17.00

 

Wat Noi Nopphakhun (Wat Noi Luang Por Nieam) Khok Khram, Bang Pla Ma, Suphan Buri. Wat Noi, a historic temple over a century old, spans an area of approximately 30 rai. Its exact founder remains unknown. The temple is located in Tok Kram Subdistrict, Bang Pla Ma District, Suphan Buri Province, on the eastern bank of the Tha Chin River. It lies about 8 kilometers south of the provincial city center along an inner road parallel to the Tha Chin River.

 

Around a century ago, Wat Noi reached its peak of prosperity under the leadership of the highly revered monk Luang Pu Niam, a master of Buddhist scripture, meditation, and mystical practices.

 

During Luang Pu’s tenure as abbot, Wat Noi was the most prominent temple in the area, attracting a significant number of monks and novices. Devotees from far and wide came seeking Luang Pu's help for various ailments, which he treated using herbal remedies, sacred water, and spiritual incantations. His methods were reputedly miraculous, especially in cases of rabies and venomous snake bites. With just a chant and a blow, he would dismiss the affliction, and no lives were reportedly lost under his care. Stories of the sacred power of his holy water became legendary.

 

Some remaining structures believed to have been built during Luang Pu’s era include: A pavilion housing a replica of the Buddha’s footprint. A vihara (sanctuary) enshrining a large plaster Buddha statue. A hall by the pond. However, these structures have now fallen into disrepair and are no longer in use.

 

Luang Pu Niam was born in 1829 (B.E. 2372) during the reign of King Rama III. He was a native of Bang Pla Ma District, Suphan Buri. His mother hailed from Ban Pa Phuek in Taka Subdistrict, while his father was from Ban Song in Mod Daeng Subdistrict, Si Prachan District.

 

It is said that Luang Pu spent 20 years studying in Bangkok before returning to reside temporarily at the temple where he was ordained. Later, he moved to Wat Rocharoen in Bang Pla Ma District, located just a few hundred meters south of Wat Noi.

 

Shortly thereafter, the villagers of Wat Noi, recognizing Luang Pu’s potential, invited him to become the abbot of the deteriorating and nearly abandoned temple, which lacked leadership. Once he assumed the role, he collaborated with the local community to construct a dining hall and restore the ordination hall and vihara, reviving the temple and bringing it back to prominence.

 

Manat Oparkul, a native of Suphan Buri and renowned researcher and writer on revered monks and sacred amulets of the province, described Luang Pu Niam as one of the greatest monk-scholars of Suphan Buri. He was highly skilled in both Buddhist scripture and meditation, as well as mystical practices, earning him a reputation as one of the most revered monk-teachers in the region's history.

 

Today, Wat Noi and Luang Pu Niam’s legacy remain cherished, symbolizing the spiritual and cultural heritage of Suphan Buri Province.