Wat Mrigadayavan

Rating: 2.8/5 (27 votes)

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: Approximately 08:00 – 17:00

 

Wat Mrigadayavan is located at 1176/11 Ban Huai Sai Tai, Phetkasem Road, Cha-am Subdistrict, Cha-am District, Phetchaburi Province. It is a Buddhist temple under the Maha Nikaya sect and has long played an important role in the local community in terms of religion, education, and the preservation of Cha-am’s cultural way of life. The temple stands on state-owned land under the Treasury Department, covering an area of approximately 16 rai, making it an appropriately sized religious site for development as a community-level center of Buddhist activities.

 

Wat Mrigadayavan was officially established on 31 October 1961 by Mr. Lueam Sampha, a resident of Ban Nong Khang, who donated the land with strong faith so that it could be used to build a temple. His intention was to create a spiritual refuge for the local people. In the past, the surrounding area was a natural forest inhabited by abundant wildlife such as barking deer and muntjac. This natural richness inspired the name “Mrigadayavan,” which means a forest sanctuary or a forest designated as a safe haven for animals. The name reflects the Buddhist concept of compassion and peaceful coexistence between humans and nature.

 

In terms of architecture and monastic buildings, Wat Mrigadayavan consists of several important structures built during different periods. The ordination hall (Ubosot), measuring 10 meters wide and 24 meters long, was constructed in 1957 as a reinforced concrete building and is used for important Buddhist ceremonies. The sermon hall (Sala Kan Parian), built in 1961, is a wooden structure that serves as a center for activities of monks and villagers. The chanting hall and multiple monk residences reflect the temple’s gradual development to properly accommodate monastic life and religious activities in each era.

 

Another significant highlight of the temple is the Viharn of Phra Khru Watchirarangsi, which enshrines a bronze statue of Phra Khru Watchirarangsi, the first abbot of the temple. This viharn serves as a sacred place for disciples and devotees to pay their respects. In addition, the temple has a two-storey multipurpose hall, a merit-making hall, a crematorium, and a columbarium, all of which play essential roles in religious ceremonies and traditional community events.

 

Wat Mrigadayavan was granted Wisungkhamsima (royal boundary demarcation for ordination) in 1962. The Wisungkhamsima area measures 51 meters in width and 65 meters in length, enabling the temple to conduct ordination ceremonies in accordance with the monastic law. This royal recognition serves as important evidence confirming the temple’s official status as a legally established religious institution.

 

Regarding administration and governance, Wat Mrigadayavan has had several abbots in succession. Phra Khru Watchirarangsi served as the first abbot from 1957 to 1978, followed by Phra Thikan Hrum. The current abbot is Phra Khru Uppatham Watchirakarn, who has played a key role in developing the temple into a spiritual and educational center for the community, while preserving religious traditions and adapting temple activities to contemporary society.

 

In the field of education, Wat Mrigadayavan has operated a Buddhist Scripture School (Dhamma Division) since 1960, providing systematic education in Buddhist teachings and monastic discipline for monks and novices. The temple also functions as a learning center for the general public, making it not only a place for religious rituals but also a hub for the transmission of Buddhist values to the local community.

 

Getting There Wat Mrigadayavan can be reached easily via Phetkasem Road, the main route through Cha-am. From Cha-am town center, the travel time is relatively short. The temple is also located near major tourist attractions such as Cha-am Beach and Mrigadayavan Palace, allowing visitors to conveniently combine religious tourism with leisure travel.

 

 

A: The temple was officially established on 31 October 1961.

 

A: It means a forest sanctuary or a forest designated as a safe haven for animals.

 

A: It belongs to the Maha Nikaya sect.

 

A: The temple has operated a Buddhist Scripture School (Dhamma Division) since 1960.

 

A: Visitors can easily reach the temple via Phetkasem Road from Cha-am town.