Replica Mahabodhi Pagoda

Rating: 3.2/5 (5 votes)

Open Days: Open daily

Opening Hours: 06:00 – 18:00

 

Replica Mahabodhi Pagoda (Chedi Phutthakhaya Replica), Kanchanaburi Province is an important religious site located in Sangkhla Buri District, Kanchanaburi Province. It was built by Luang Por Uttama, a highly revered monk and a spiritual center for the Thai Raman (Mon) community as well as Buddhists in general. The main purpose of constructing this pagoda was to enshrine a sacred relic of the Buddha—believed to be a fragment of the right thumb bone, about the size of a grain of rice—so that Buddhists could pay their respects and worship.

 

The Replica Mahabodhi Pagoda follows the architectural style of the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, India, with a square base and a dignified, harmonious structure symbolizing the stability and endurance of Buddhism. This architectural form is not merely a physical imitation but also represents a spiritual connection between the Buddhist holy land in India and the Thai–Myanmar border region.

 

Near the Replica Mahabodhi Pagoda, there are many shops selling products from Myanmar, including jewelry, traditional fabrics, thanaka powder, wooden crafts, and other handicrafts. The surrounding atmosphere clearly reflects the border lifestyle and cultural exchange between people on both sides of the frontier.

 

Every year in February, a celebration is held to commemorate the birthday of Luang Por Uttama. This annual festival is one of the most important cultural events in the area. Activities include religious ceremonies, traditional bare-knuckle boxing competitions, and performances by local cultural groups, such as Mon dances and the Tong dance of the Karen people, along with other cultural showcases that strongly express the identity of the local community.

 

One of the most distinctive scenes during the festival is the sight of local people dressing in traditional Thai Raman attire and carrying trays of food balanced on their heads to offer to monks at Wat Wang Wiwekaram. This ritual beautifully represents respect, devotion, and the strong sense of unity within the Sangkhla Buri community.

 

Getting There From Bangkok, take Highway No. 4 (Phetkasem Road) through Nakhon Pathom Province. After driving approximately 9 kilometers, you will reach an overpass leading toward Kanchanaburi Province. Continue along Highway No. 323 through Mueang Kanchanaburi District and head toward Thong Pha Phum District, passing Sai Yok Noi and Sai Yok Yai. At the junction leading to Sangkhla Buri, continue straight until reaching the Three Pagodas Pass junction. From there, drive straight for about 7.4 kilometers until you see a left turn signposted for the Replica Mahabodhi Pagoda. Turn left to reach the site.

 

 

A: It was built to enshrine sacred Buddha relics and serve as a place of worship for Buddhists.

 

A: Luang Por Uttama of Wat Wang Wiwekaram.

 

A: The festival is held every year in February.

 

A: Yes, visitors can visit and worship at the site all year round.

 

A: It is suitable for religious tourism, cultural exploration, and community-based travel.