Wat Uposatharam (Wat Bot Manorom), located in Uthai Thani Province, is an ancient temple situated along the Sakae Krang River on Koh Thepho within the municipal area. Locals commonly refer to it as Wat Bot. The temple stands on the east bank of the river and is easily accessible from the municipal fresh market via a bridge that crosses the river, offering visitors both convenience and scenic views of the river and the peaceful atmosphere of Uthai Thani.

 

One of the main attractions of Wat Uposatharam (Wat Bot Manorom) is its mural paintings inside the ordination hall (ubosoth) and the viharn. The murals, dating back to the early Rattanakosin period, depict the life of the Buddha from birth to parinirvana with exquisite detail and craftsmanship. Inside the viharn, paintings show the Buddha descending to teach deities in heaven and scenes of his passing, while the upper walls feature assemblies of monks alternating with ceremonial fans, symbolically paying homage to the principal Buddha image. The exterior walls display scenes of the Buddha’s cremation and everyday village life, reflecting local customs intertwined with Buddhist beliefs.

 

The temple also houses many valuable artifacts, including a red sandstone boundary marker (sema) in front of the ubosoth, ornately carved wooden cabinets for scriptures and valuables, and a mother-of-pearl inlaid alms bowl gifted by King Rama V, showcasing the skills of master craftsmen. Decorative finials shaped like swans adorn the top of the temple’s pillars. Several historic buildings within the Wat Uposatharam (Wat Bot Manorom) complex are noteworthy, such as an octagonal Western-style pavilion with vine-like plaster motifs around its windows and high-relief stucco Buddha statues on its exterior, a hexagonal chedi, a twelve-cornered Rattanakosin-style chedi, and the Uthai Phuttha Sapa Assembly Hall, a traditional Thai-style hall used for chanting, with plaster relief decorations on the gables.

 

Another prominent feature is the floating ubosoth located at the front of the temple. Originally built to welcome King Rama V during his northern tour in 1906 (B.E. 2449), the original structure consisted of two twin platforms with traditional Thai gable finials and a round inscription on the pediment in Pali, reading “Su Akato Te Maharaj,” meaning “The Great King arrived safely.” In 1976 (B.E. 2519), the floating ubosoth was restored into a single two-story structure with a hipped roof, and the round inscription was relocated to the central gable. Today, it serves as a venue for religious ceremonies including weddings, ordinations, funerals, and merit-making events.

 

Wat Uposatharam (Wat Bot Manorom) is not only a spiritual center for the people of Uthai Thani but also a significant cultural and architectural landmark. Visitors can explore Thai artistic traditions, learn about Buddhist history, and enjoy the serene riverside setting that reflects the local community’s way of life. The temple offers a comprehensive experience of Thailand’s history, art, and cultural heritage, combining spiritual significance with scenic beauty.