Wat Wang Mu, located in Ban Wang Mu, Hat Kruat Subdistrict, Mueang District, Uttaradit Province, is a Theravāda Buddhist temple under the Mahanikaya sect. With a history spanning more than 800 years, it was established during the Sukhothai period around 1157 CE (B.E. 1700) and officially received the wisungkhamsima boundary in 1189 CE (B.E. 1732). Although not yet registered as an official historical site by the Fine Arts Department, the temple is deeply respected by the local community for its antiquity and cultural importance.

 

The name "Wat Wang Mu" comes from an ancient local legend about a golden wild boar. The story tells of two Mon merchants who were sailing upstream to trade in the Ban Tha Thong area. While docking their boat, they spotted a radiant golden boar drinking from the river. Amazed by this mystical sight, they tried to follow the creature, which disappeared and reappeared in the water before swimming to a swirling pool and emerging again on a small hill in today’s Ban Wang Mu. The boar then vanished into the tall grass, never to be seen again. The merchants believed it to be a sacred animal, and the story became the inspiration for naming the village "Ban Wang Mu" (meaning “Pool of the Boar”) and the temple “Wat Wang Mu” preserving the memory of this miraculous event.

 

Wat Wang Mu has long served as the spiritual and cultural center of the community. It hosts key Buddhist ceremonies, annual merit-making events, ordinations, and youth development activities. The temple features several architecturally significant and historic structures. Among them is the ubosot maha-ut (ordination hall) designed in the shape of a Chinese junk, characteristic of late Ayutthaya art with intricate decorative motifs. The stupa, housing sacred relics of the Buddha, showcases a blend of Lanna, Burmese, and Ayutthaya craftsmanship, reflecting the diverse cultural influences of the region.

 

A wooden sermon hall (sala kan parian), built in 1963, remains an active community space. The Wihan Kaew (Glass Vihara) enshrines the statue of Luang Pu Meng, a revered local monk. Ancient slate bai sema (boundary markers) in the Ayutthaya style further confirm the temple’s historical significance. Statues of the legendary golden boar stand at the temple gate and in front of the sermon hall, symbolizing the folklore origin of both the village and the temple.

 

Visiting Wat Wang Mu offers more than just a spiritual retreat it’s a chance to connect with the region’s folklore, cultural heritage, and enduring community faith. The temple stands as a gateway to understanding the deep-rooted traditions, beliefs, and identity of the local people. For those seeking cultural tourism in Uttaradit, Wat Wang Mu is a hidden gem that promises serenity, scenic beauty, and stories that still live on in the hearts of the villagers.