Rating: 3/5 (22 votes)

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 08:00 – 17:00

 

Wat Phra That Sirichai is located at 137 Ban Khao Yoi, Phetkasem Road, Moo 5, Khao Yoi Subdistrict, Khao Yoi District, Phetchaburi Province. It is a temple under the Mahanikaya sect and holds significant importance in terms of religion, local history, and education. The temple was established through the collective intention of the Sangha, government officials, and local residents to create a Buddhist monument and a place of devotion during an important period in Thai religious history.

 

Wat Phra That Sirichai occupies an area of approximately 11 rai, 3 ngan, and 74 square wah, with full legal ownership belonging to the temple. Its boundaries are clearly defined, with the western side adjacent to Phetkasem Road, a major transportation route. This strategic location allows convenient access for local Buddhists as well as travelers passing through Khao Yoi District. Being situated along a major highway also reflects the temple’s role as an open and accessible spiritual center for people from diverse areas.

 

The construction of Wat Phra That Sirichai began in 1957. At that time, the Sangha and abbots of Khao Yoi District, led by Phra Khru Banphot Silakhun, the district ecclesiastical head, together with Mr. Chalong Chaiyawut, the former district chief, and local residents, reached a consensus to establish a permanent temple. The purpose was to serve as a Buddhist memorial and an offering of devotion on the occasion of the 25th Buddhist Century.

 

The temple was officially established on January 27, 1982, and was granted Wisungkhamsima (ordination boundary) on September 3, 1982. The Wisungkhamsima area measures 25 meters wide and 50 meters long, confirming the temple’s complete legal and ecclesiastical status. The name “Wat Phra That Sirichai” was given in honor of Chao Khun Phra Thammasirichai, the abbot of Phra Pathom Chedi at that time, who graciously permitted the division of the Buddha’s relics to be enshrined at this temple.

 

Regarding monastic architecture, Wat Phra That Sirichai features buildings that reflect Thai artistic styles from the post–World War II era. The ordination hall is a reinforced concrete structure in traditional Thai style, approximately 6.25 meters wide and 25.25 meters long, constructed in 1980. It is adorned with chofa, bai raka, and hang hong ornaments in accordance with classical Thai temple architecture and serves as the venue for major monastic rites and ceremonies.

 

The sermon hall was built in 1969 as a two-story reinforced concrete structure in a Thai-applied style, measuring 12 meters wide and 24 meters long. It functions as the central space for religious and community activities. The temple also has two monks’ residences, built as half-concrete, half-wooden structures, reflecting a balance between durability and the simplicity of rural monastic life. In addition, there are a multipurpose pavilion and a funeral pavilion that support various community and public activities.

 

The most important sacred object at Wat Phra That Sirichai is the Buddha’s relics enshrined as the principal object of worship within the ordination hall. These relics serve as the spiritual focal point for Buddhists. The temple also houses a statue of Avalokitesvara (Guan Yin Bodhisattva), reflecting the harmonious coexistence of Mahayana and Theravada beliefs in Thai society, making the temple an inclusive and widely revered religious space.

 

Another prominent feature of the temple is the “Chalerm Ratchakumari” Public Library, established in 1991 through the joint efforts of the Sangha, government officials, merchants, and local residents to honor Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn on the occasion of her 34th birthday. This library serves as an important learning resource for youth and residents of Khao Yoi District and reinforces the temple’s role as an intellectual and educational center of the community.

 

The administration and governance of Wat Phra That Sirichai have been stable and continuous. Phra Khru Watcharasarakun (Wirat Panyasaro) has served as the abbot since 1959 and continues in this role today. He has played a key role in developing the temple’s physical infrastructure, educational programs, and cooperation with the local community, ensuring that the temple remains active and socially relevant.

 

In terms of education, Wat Phra That Sirichai has offered a Buddhist scripture school since 1959, providing instruction in Buddhist doctrine and discipline to monks and novices in the area. This educational role forms an essential foundation for the preservation and transmission of Buddhism in Khao Yoi District and distinguishes the temple from many others.

 

Getting There Wat Phra That Sirichai is located directly along Phetkasem Road in Khao Yoi District. It is easily accessible from both Bangkok and Phetchaburi town, with parking available within the temple grounds. The temple is well suited for religious visits and cultural sightseeing on a day trip.

 

 

A: It was established as a Buddhist offering to commemorate the 25th Buddhist Century.

 

A: The principal object of worship is the Buddha’s relics enshrined in the ordination hall.

 

A: The temple operates a Buddhist scripture school and the Chalerm Ratchakumari Public Library.

 

A: The current abbot is Phra Khru Watcharasarakun (Wirat Panyasaro).

 

A: Yes, the temple is very easy to access as it is located directly along Phetkasem Road.