Wat Pa Cha (Forest Cemetery Temple) is located on land that was originally a cemetery used by the local community for burials and cremations. The temple was established around 1987 (B.E. 2530), but the site has a long history tied to Buddhism and the spiritual practices of monks over many generations. Key structures within the temple include the ubosot (ordination hall) and chedi (stupa) dating back to the Ayutthaya period, notable for the intricate stucco decorations on the gable of the ubosot, reflecting the exquisite craftsmanship of that era.

 

The temple is also a repository of ancient scriptures, traditional Thai medical manuscripts, and palm-leaf manuscripts that contain valuable knowledge on herbal medicine and healing practices, preserving the wisdom of past generations. Wat Pa Cha is particularly associated with Luang Pu Saeng, who was ordained in 1884 (B.E. 2427). He devoted his life to acquiring extensive knowledge, including protective incantations and various esoteric practices, studying under multiple teachers, and mastering herbal remedies to treat illnesses, making him a well-rounded monk with expertise in both Dhamma and traditional medicine.

 

As Luang Pu Saeng developed a strong mind and achieved proficiency in Vipassana meditation, he perceived that this cemetery area was inhabited by spiritually meritorious beings. He therefore established a monastic residence around 1900 (B.E. 2443) as a center for meditation practice and Buddhist teachings. The ubosot was later constructed around 1923 (B.E. 2466), and the temple received official consecration of the boundary (Wisungkhamasima) in 1926 (B.E. 2469), officially naming the site “Wat Pa Cha.”

 

After Luang Pu Saeng passed away, local villagers collectively built a viharn (assembly hall) for worship and to honor his memory, creating a place of spiritual merit and reverence. The temple became not only a religious site but also a center for preserving traditional art, historical manuscripts, and the knowledge of Thai herbal medicine, providing a rich educational and cultural resource for the community.

 

Wat Pa Cha offers a serene and peaceful environment suitable for meditation, merit-making, and learning ancient wisdom, including studying herbal remedies, traditional medicine, and esoteric practices. It also serves as a cultural tourism site that attracts visitors interested in history, art, and Thai culture, allowing both locals and tourists to experience the spiritual presence and legacy of Luang Pu Saeng.

 

The temple reflects the cooperation of the community in maintaining and developing this sacred site as a center for Buddhist practice and education. It stands as a symbol of local wisdom, cultural heritage, and spiritual devotion that deserves preservation and wider recognition.

 

Visitors to Wat Pa Cha can appreciate the beauty of ancient architecture, gain knowledge of traditional Thai herbal medicine, experience tranquility, and connect with the spiritual legacy of Luang Pu Saeng. The visit provides more than an opportunity to make merit—it offers a deep understanding of the history, culture, and local wisdom of Uthai Thani province.