Rating: 2.9/5 (10 votes)

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 08.00 – 17.00

 

Wat Thammasala is located in Thammasala Subdistrict, Mueang Nakhon Pathom District, Nakhon Pathom Province. It is an ancient temple that has long held historical and spiritual importance for the local community. Today, the temple covers approximately 61 rai according to its land title deeds and stands out as a place where archaeological remains, local beliefs, and important legends from Thai history come together in one compelling site.

 

Within Wat Thammasala are several important features that reflect the former prosperity of the Nakhon Pathom area, including an old vihara, an ordination hall, an ancient mound-cave, and a troop of monkeys living within the temple grounds. These monkeys have become one of the temple’s distinctive features and can be seen up close by visitors. The overall atmosphere remains peaceful, shaded, and quietly solemn, in keeping with the character of an old temple with a long history.

 

One of the most important highlights of Wat Thammasala is the “mound-cave,” an ancient earthen mound located behind the vihara. It is believed to date back to the Suvarnabhumi period or the earliest phase of the construction of Phra Pathom Chedi, around Buddhist Era 306. This mound is large in scale and has long been spoken of as a mysterious place connected with beliefs about ancient hidden treasure.

 

According to local belief, this mound-cave once stored ancient valuables such as bowls, dishes, household utensils, and other precious objects. However, these items could not be taken out for use because a sacred guardian spirit known as “Pu Som” was said to watch over the treasure. This belief gave rise to stories of miracles and sacred power that have been passed down through generations.

 

Another legend says that this mound-cave was once used by virtuous figures or rulers of the old city as a place for consultation or important rituals. It was also believed that in the past, villagers could light incense and ask to borrow bowls and dishes from the cave for community events. But when some people failed to return the borrowed items, the guardian of the treasure became angry and sealed the cave, making it impossible for anyone to use it again.

 

Today, this mound-cave has been registered as an archaeological object by the Fine Arts Department in order to preserve it as historical and cultural evidence. It remains a point of strong interest for visitors because of both its antiquity and the stories that reflect the beliefs of earlier generations.

 

Wat Thammasala is also connected with one of the most important legends in Thai history: the story of Phaya Kong and Phaya Phan. According to the legend, Phaya Phan, ruler of Si Wichai, became deeply troubled after committing patricide against his royal father and Ya Hom. This was regarded as a grave sin under Buddhist belief.

 

In repentance for his wrongdoing, Phaya Phan ordered a gathering of arahants and monks from various monasteries and had a large dhamma hall built near the mound-cave. It was intended to serve as a place where monks could preach and perform religious activities, with the purpose of dedicating merit and easing the karmic consequences of his actions.

 

This dhamma hall is said to be the origin of the name “Thammasala,” meaning a place for the teaching of dhamma. The name has continued to be used for the temple ever since and clearly reflects the religious and historical role of this place.

 

The atmosphere of Wat Thammasala today still reflects that of a living community temple. Local people continue to come here to make merit, pay respect to sacred images, and take part in religious activities on a regular basis. Visitors to the temple can experience not only its peaceful setting and valuable archaeological remains, but also the stories that connect history with local folk belief.

 

Getting There Wat Thammasala is located in Mueang Nakhon Pathom District and can be reached conveniently from Nakhon Pathom town. Visitors can travel via Phet Kasem Road or the province’s main roads, then continue into Thammasala Subdistrict, where signage is clearly visible. Those traveling by private car can use a navigation app directly, while those using public transport can first travel into Nakhon Pathom town and then continue by local transport or hired vehicle to the temple.

 

With its combination of history, archaeological remains, legendary stories, sacred belief, and tranquil atmosphere, Wat Thammasala is another site that reflects the cultural roots of Nakhon Pathom. It is well suited to visitors interested in local history, merit-making, and cultural tourism in Thailand.

 

 

A: Wat Thammasala is located in Thammasala Subdistrict, Mueang Nakhon Pathom District, Nakhon Pathom Province, and it is easy to reach from the town center.

 

A: Its key highlights are the ancient mound-cave, the legend of Pu Som, the old vihara, and the monkeys living within the temple grounds.

 

A: The mound-cave is an archaeological feature believed to date back to the Suvarnabhumi period and is closely linked with legends of hidden treasure and old local beliefs.

 

A: The temple is associated with the legend of Phaya Kong and Phaya Phan, a story that reflects Buddhist ideas about karma, repentance, and merit-making.

 

A: Visitors can travel by car from Nakhon Pathom town, or take public transport into town first and then continue to the temple by local transport.

 

A: It is well suited to cultural tourism, local history exploration, and merit-making in a peaceful temple setting.