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Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 08:00-16:00

 

Luang Pho Sian Nakhon is a sacred Buddha image that has long been deeply revered by the people of Nakhon Nayok Province. It is enshrined at Wat Bunnakharakkhitaram, also known locally as Wat Tam, in Nakhon Nayok Subdistrict, Mueang Nakhon Nayok District. What makes this Buddha image especially distinctive is its unusual origin, unlike most Buddha images in general, because the faith surrounding it began with the discovery of only the Buddha head before a full body was later created. As a result, Luang Pho Sian Nakhon holds spiritual value, artistic value in Buddhist art, and local historical significance at the same time.

 

The story of Luang Pho Sian Nakhon began in 1952, when a Buddha head was unearthed in the area of the Nakhon Nayok provincial liquor distillery, located near Wat Nang Hong in Tha Chang Subdistrict. What was found was only the head, with no remaining body parts. This makes the story of the image especially compelling, as it reflects the passage of time over many years and led local people to feel that this Buddha head was something important that deserved proper preservation and reverence.

 

After it was discovered, the Buddha head was not immediately enshrined at the temple. Instead, it was kept at Nayok Pittaya School, which has since been dissolved. This period is considered an important transitional stage, because it was the time when the Buddha head still existed as a valuable ancient object before later being elevated into a sacred Buddha image of the province in its full spiritual role.

 

Later, in 1968, the Buddha head was invited to Wat Bunnakharakkhitaram, where it was enshrined. Faithful devotees then joined together to create a new body for the image and build a vihara as a proper place of enshrinement. From that point onward, the Buddha image was given the name “Luang Pho Sian Nakhon.” The name clearly reflects its origin, because the word “Sian” refers to the head that was originally discovered, while “Nakhon” directly connects the image to Nakhon Nayok, the province where this faith took root.

 

Local sources suggest that Luang Pho Sian Nakhon may date back to the Phra Ruang period or be connected with Sukhothai art. The significance of this assumption lies in how it elevates the image from being merely a locally revered sacred Buddha image to becoming an object with dimensions of Buddhist art and history as well. Although publicly available information has not been presented in fully detailed academic terms, the shared understanding of the local community and tourism sources has led Luang Pho Sian Nakhon to be regarded as an ancient Buddha image with roots extending deep into the past.

 

In terms of meaning, Luang Pho Sian Nakhon stands out not only because it is sacred, but also because it is a Buddha image whose “authentic ancient head” forms the heart of the present image. This makes paying respect to it feel different from worshipping a Buddha image that was entirely created anew, because people recognize that before them is an important remnant from the past that has been preserved, cared for, and completed again through the devotion of later generations.

 

Wat Bunnakharakkhitaram, or Wat Tam, where Luang Pho Sian Nakhon is enshrined, is itself an old temple of the area. Records indicate that the temple was established in 1880. It was originally called Wat Bun Mak, later renamed Wat Nak, and eventually became Wat Bunnakharakkhitaram. This temple is important not only because it houses Luang Pho Sian Nakhon, but also because it has continuously developed and long served as a religious center for the local community.

 

Inside the temple are several elements that deepen the visitor’s experience, including the enshrinement area of Luang Pho Sian Nakhon, a meditation courtyard, a large stucco Buddha image, and a riverside pavilion for sitting and relaxing. The overall atmosphere is peaceful, shady, and ideal for spending time without hurry. Those who come here do not simply pay respect and leave, but can also use a short period of time to rest their minds, walk around the temple grounds, and fully absorb the calmness of the place.

 

Another important reason why Luang Pho Sian Nakhon remains significant today is the continuing faith of the people of Nakhon Nayok. Although Luang Pho Sian Nakhon may not be nationally famous to the same extent as some other well-known Buddha images, from the perspective of local people, this image is a sacred Buddha image with a story, a bond with the town, and a true spiritual symbol of the province. Many people therefore still come to pay respect for auspiciousness, peace of mind, and stability in life.

 

From a tourism perspective, Luang Pho Sian Nakhon is especially suitable for visitors interested in cultural and religious travel routes. This place offers not only the experience of making merit, but also a story with real historical weight for visitors to learn from. For those who enjoy discovering places with depth beyond outward beauty, Wat Bunnakharakkhitaram and Luang Pho Sian Nakhon are destinations that offer calmness, meaning, and a memorable story.

 

Travel to Wat Bunnakharakkhitaram is convenient, especially from Bangkok. Visitors can take the Rangsit-Nakhon Nayok route into Mueang Nakhon Nayok, then continue into Nakhon Nayok Subdistrict within the district. The temple is located in the town area, making it easy to continue to other important sites nearby. If you are not traveling by private car, you can take a bus or van into Nakhon Nayok town first, then continue to the temple by local transport.

 

Visitors who intend to come should dress politely and behave appropriately for a religious place. The most suitable time to visit is from the morning to early afternoon, when the weather is not too hot and it is more comfortable to walk around the temple. Once there, it is worth spending time quietly in the space, because the charm of this temple lies not only in paying respect to Luang Pho Sian Nakhon, but also in the overall atmosphere that helps visitors rest their minds from the rush of daily life.

 

Overall, Luang Pho Sian Nakhon is a Buddha image that profoundly reflects the meaning of the word “faith,” because the present image was completed by bringing together an ancient Buddha head that survived from the past and the collective devotion of later generations. This story gives Luang Pho Sian Nakhon value beyond being simply a Buddha image for worship. It is also part of the shared memory of the people of Nakhon Nayok and a destination well worth visiting for anyone who wishes to experience religion, history, and culture in one place.

 

 

A: Luang Pho Sian Nakhon is enshrined at Wat Bunnakharakkhitaram, also known as Wat Tam, in Mueang Nakhon Nayok District, Nakhon Nayok Province.

 

A: The Buddha head was discovered in 1952 in the area of the Nakhon Nayok provincial liquor distillery near Wat Nang Hong.

 

A: Because only the Buddha head was found at the time of discovery, with no remaining body parts, and when a new body was later created, the image was given the name Luang Pho Sian Nakhon.

 

A: Local sources suggest that it is a Buddha image from the Phra Ruang period or is related to Sukhothai art.

 

A: Yes. Wat Bunnakharakkhitaram is an old local temple, with records indicating that it was established in 1880 and has continued to develop up to the present day.

 

A: The abbot is Phra Vinayathorn Thawee.

 

A: Verified information indicates that visiting hours are approximately 08:00-16:00.