Wat Muang Chum

Rating: 3.9/5 (7 votes)

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 06:00 – 18:00

 

Wat Muang Chum is located in Ban Muang Chum, Village No. 5, Muang Chum Subdistrict, Tha Muang District, Kanchanaburi Province. It is an important temple for the local community, playing a long-standing role both as a center of faith and as a site of local historical significance. The temple belongs to the Mahanikaya sect and occupies a total land area of 13 rai, 2 ngan, and 40 square wah. The surrounding area is a traditional agricultural community, which has allowed the temple to remain closely connected to the everyday way of life of local residents over generations.

 

The history of Wat Muang Chum is closely associated with Luang Pho Thien Chantassaro, a former abbot who was deeply revered by the community. He began constructing the ordination hall in 1941, during a period when Thailand was experiencing the effects of the final phase of World War II. Luang Pho Thien chose a simple and gradual construction approach, refusing to solicit donations, as he did not wish to burden villagers who were already facing economic hardship and the consequences of war at that time.

 

During World War II, Kanchanaburi Province was severely affected due to the presence of several Japanese military bases in the area. As a result, Allied forces carried out aerial bombings to destroy these bases. Bombing raids caused widespread damage to homes and infrastructure, and the local economy fell into a state of scarcity and hardship. Despite these difficulties, the people of Muang Chum remained steadfast in their faith, offering help, support, and encouragement until the construction of the ordination hall at Wat Muang Chum was finally completed.

 

Wat Muang Chum was granted royal consecration of the boundary for the ordination hall (Wisungkhamsima) on February 3, 1951. This marked a significant milestone, confirming the temple’s full status within the Buddhist monastic system. Since then, the temple has continuously served as a venue for religious ceremonies, ordinations, and important spiritual activities for the community.

 

Luang Pho Thien Chantassaro passed away peacefully on November 27, 1980, at 9:00 a.m. at Wat Muang Chum, amidst deep sorrow among his disciples and local residents. After his passing, the villagers preserved his body for a period of ten years. When the time came, it was discovered that his body had not decomposed, a phenomenon that inspired awe and further strengthened the faith of those who witnessed it.

 

Out of deep reverence, the people of Muang Chum collectively built a mandapa and a glass coffin to enshrine Luang Pho Thien’s body with the utmost respect. The ceremonial enshrinement took place on April 1, 1991. From that day until the present, Luang Pho Thien’s body has remained undecayed, symbolizing his continued presence as a spiritual refuge and a source of faith for the people of Muang Chum and visitors from other regions.

 

Important areas within Wat Muang Chum include the mandapa housing Luang Pho Thien’s body in a glass coffin, the ordination hall constructed through collective faith during the wartime period, and the surrounding temple grounds, which offer a peaceful and shaded atmosphere. These features make the temple suitable for merit-making, prayer, and meditation. To this day, the temple continues to serve as a center for religious and cultural activities within the community.

 

Getting There Wat Muang Chum is most conveniently accessed by private vehicle. From Bangkok, take Borommaratchachonnani Road toward Nakhon Pathom, pass the Nakhon Chai Si intersection, and continue toward Ratchaburi before entering Kanchanaburi Province. Upon reaching Tha Muang District, follow the signs to Muang Chum Subdistrict and turn onto the local road leading directly to the temple, which is easily accessible by car.

 

 

A: It is located in Ban Muang Chum, Village No. 5, Muang Chum Subdistrict, Tha Muang District, Kanchanaburi Province.

 

A: He was the former abbot of Wat Muang Chum who initiated the construction of the ordination hall during World War II.

 

A: The undecayed body of Luang Pho Thien Chantassaro enshrined in a glass coffin within the mandapa.

 

A: On February 3, 1951.

 

A: It is suitable for faith-based tourism, historical exploration, and meditation-focused visits.