Wat Kuncharawachiraram

Rating: 2.3/5 (21 votes)

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 08:00 – 17:00

 

Wat Kuncharawachiraram (Wat Huai Tha Chang) is located at No. 42, Ban Huai Tha Chang, Village No. 4, Huai Tha Chang Subdistrict, Khao Yoi District, Phetchaburi Province. It is a temple under the Mahanikaya order that has long played an important role in religion, education, and community development. The temple is not only a place for Buddhist ceremonies, but also a spiritual center for the people of Huai Tha Chang and nearby communities, maintaining a close connection with the rural way of life of Phetchaburi.

 

Wat Kuncharawachiraram occupies a total area of approximately 28 rai, 2 ngan, and 25 square wah. Its boundaries are clearly defined: to the north it borders Nong Ya Plong Road, to the east it borders private land, and to the south and west it borders an irrigation canal. This setting creates a peaceful and green environment that blends harmoniously with the agricultural landscape of Khao Yoi District. The temple also owns one plot of monastic land (thorani song) measuring 4 rai and 4 square wah, reflecting its long-term stability in terms of property management.

 

The history of Wat Kuncharawachiraram dates back to B.E. 2484 (1941). Originally, the temple was located on the eastern side of Huai Tha Chang village before being systematically developed and expanded in line with the growing number of monks and the surrounding community. The temple was granted Wisungkhamsima (ordination boundary) on February 3, B.E. 2494 (1951), with an area measuring 20 meters in width and 40 meters in length. This represents an important milestone confirming the temple’s official and complete status in both legal and religious terms.

 

In terms of religious structures, Wat Kuncharawachiraram features buildings that clearly reflect its development through different periods. The ubosot is a reinforced concrete structure in traditional Thai style, approximately 6 meters wide and 23 meters long, constructed in B.E. 2500 (1957). It is used for sangha ceremonies and important Buddhist rituals. The sermon hall (sala prian), built in B.E. 2511 (1968), serves as the central venue for religious and community activities, while the chanting hall, built in B.E. 2503 (1960), has a simple design that fosters a calm and contemplative atmosphere.

 

The temple also has eight monks’ residences (kuti), all constructed of wood, reflecting the simple and self-sufficient character of a rural Thai temple. Additional structures such as the multipurpose pavilion and the funeral hall, constructed from B.E. 2531 (1988) onward, further highlight the temple’s role as a space that supports community activities, including merit-making ceremonies, funerals, and various public-benefit events.

 

The most important sacred object at Wat Kuncharawachiraram is the principal Buddha image enshrined in the ubosot, known as “Luang Pho Thewarit.” This image is deeply revered by local residents. The temple also houses a pair of Buddha images created in B.E. 2473 (1930), as well as two other significant Buddha images. All of these hold strong spiritual meaning for the local community and often serve as focal points for rituals on important Buddhist holy days.

 

Wat Kuncharawachiraram has maintained continuity in its administration and governance, with abbots overseeing the temple since its establishment. The first abbot was Phra Thom, who served from B.E. 2487–2489 (1944–1946), followed by Phra Si. Phra Khru Phattharawachirathorn (Phat) later played a significant role in developing the temple between B.E. 2493–2528 (1950–1985). Afterward, Phra Khru Sin Surathon served as abbot until B.E. 2545 (2002), with subsequent monks continuing to care for the temple up to the present day.

 

Another prominent role of Wat Kuncharawachiraram is in education. The temple established a Buddhist Scripture School (Dhamma Division) in B.E. 2508 (1965) to promote Dhamma education among monks and novices in the area. In addition, there is a primary school under the temple’s care, reflecting the temple’s function as a center of learning in a rural community during a time when educational opportunities were still limited.

 

In terms of community life, Wat Kuncharawachiraram maintains a close relationship with the people of Huai Tha Chang. Annual merit-making events such as the Buddhist Lent ceremony, the Kathin festival, and Samakki robe-offering ceremonies are times when local residents, including those who work in other provinces, return home to participate with their families. As a result, the temple is not only a sacred place, but also a space of shared memories and deep intergenerational bonds.

 

Getting There Wat Kuncharawachiraram can be accessed via Highway No. 4 (Phetkasem Road) toward Khao Yoi District, then turning into Huai Tha Chang Subdistrict following local signposts. The temple is located not far from the main road and is easily accessible by private vehicle throughout the year, with parking available within the temple grounds.

 

 

A: The temple was established in B.E. 2484 (1941) and received Wisungkhamsima in B.E. 2494 (1951).

 

A: The principal Buddha image enshrined in the ubosot is known as Luang Pho Thewarit.

 

A: The temple has operated a Buddhist Scripture School (Dhamma Division) since B.E. 2508 (1965) and also supports a primary school within the temple grounds.

 

A: Yes, it is well suited for visitors interested in rural temples, community life, and local history in Phetchaburi.

 

A: Yes, it is easily accessible by private vehicle from Phetkasem Road, with parking available on site.