Wat Huai Khanang is located at No. 101, Ban Huai Khanang, Village No. 1, Nong Yang Subdistrict, Nong Chang District, Uthai Thani Province. It is a local temple under the Mahanikaya sect, occupying a total area of 15 rai, 1 ngan, and 32 square wah. The temple grounds are situated on flat lowland, surrounded by rice fields, farmland, and canals, creating a peaceful and serene environment ideal for religious practice and community activities. The temple boundaries are as follows: to the north, it borders the farmland of Mr. Cha-on; to the south, a canal; to the east, the farmland of Mr. Pleng; and to the west, another canal. The temple also has a Buddhist land deed (Tharani Song) covering one plot of 12 rai, 1 ngan, and 28 square wah, deed number 100, which is designated for religious use and temple construction.

 

The main structures within Wat Huai Khanang include the ordination hall (Ubosot), measuring 6 meters wide and 22 meters long, used for performing important Buddhist ceremonies and rituals. The sermon hall (Sala Kan Phruean) is 16 meters wide and 20 meters long, built in 1957 (B.E. 2500), serving as a meeting place for the community and a venue for teaching Dharma. The prayer hall measures 12 meters by 20 meters, constructed in 1974 (B.E. 2517), used for chanting and meditation by the resident monks. There are also three monk’s living quarters (kuti), providing accommodation for the monastic community. Inside the ordination hall, the principal Buddha image is enshrined, serving as a sacred object and the spiritual center for local residents and visitors.

 

Wat Huai Khanang was officially established as a temple on July 10, 1941 (B.E. 2484), taking its name from the village. The temple later received royal recognition and the formal ordination hall boundary (Wisungkham Sima) on January 4, 1986 (B.E. 2529), with dimensions of 7 meters wide and 22 meters long, marking the official area for performing important religious ceremonies in accordance with Buddhist tradition.

 

The temple grounds offer a calm and shady atmosphere, surrounded by trees and canals, creating an ideal environment for meditation, Dharma study, and community events. The well-organized layout of the temple facilitates various activities, including almsgiving, Dharma teaching, and local cultural ceremonies.

 

Wat Huai Khanang is not only a center for religious practice but also a hub for preserving local traditions and cultural heritage. Resident monks provide guidance in Buddhist teachings and meditation to both villagers and visitors. The temple offers an opportunity to learn about local history and experience the cultural life of the community. Its serene environment, bordered by canals and open fields, provides a sense of relaxation and peace, making it both a spiritual center and a cultural learning site in Nong Chang District, Uthai Thani Province.

 

The temple continues to be respected and frequently visited by local residents and visitors from other areas due to its historical significance and cultural importance. Visiting Wat Huai Khanang allows one to pay respects to the principal Buddha image, admire the architectural features of the temple buildings, and experience the local way of life and community atmosphere.

 

Thus, Wat Huai Khanang serves as both a religious center and a cultural tourism destination in Nong Chang District. Its tranquil surroundings and the warm community environment provide visitors with a sense of relaxation and an authentic understanding of local traditions. The temple remains a spiritual hub for villagers and an educational site for learning Dharma and cultural heritage for future generations.