Wat Sitthisangharam

Rating: 3.7/5 (7 votes)

Open Days: Every day

Opening Hours: 06:00 – 18:00

 

Wat Sitthisangharam is an important temple in Pran Buri District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. It is located in Nong Kram Village, Pran Buri Subdistrict. The temple was established in 1969 through the donation of land by Mae Chi Thongyip Sitthisong. At present, it serves not only as a place for Buddhist ceremonies, but also as a meditation center and a spiritual center for the local community. Within the temple grounds are several important buildings, including the ordination hall, sermon hall, prayer hall, Luang Pho Sothon shrine, and Emerald Buddha shrine. The temple is also the Royal Commemorative Mental Development Center of Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, where moral training programs and meditation activities are held on a continuing basis.

 

Wat Sitthisangharam is one of the important temples in Pran Buri District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, playing a significant role in religion, education, and the spiritual development of local people. The temple is located in Nong Kram Village, Moo 2, Pran Buri Subdistrict, Pran Buri District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. The grounds are spacious and peaceful, filled with large trees and a serene atmosphere that is ideal for meditation, mindfulness practice, and paying respect to sacred objects for good fortune.

 

Wat Sitthisangharam was founded on December 2, 1969. Its origin began with the land donation from Mae Chi Thongyip Sitthisong, the original landowner who wished to dedicate the land for the construction of a temple for the benefit of the local community. The temple was named after the donor’s surname in order to honor and commemorate her contribution in dedicating her personal property to Buddhism and society in the area.

 

After the temple was founded, villagers from the Nong Kram community and nearby areas joined together to continuously develop the temple. Their efforts included the construction of monastic buildings, the organization of religious activities, and the improvement of the temple grounds so that it could become a spiritual center for the community. Through the cooperation of local residents and monks, the temple steadily grew and eventually became one of the important temples in the area.

 

Wat Sitthisangharam received the royal grant of Visungkhamsima on September 3, 1992, with the sacred boundary measuring 80 meters wide and 80 meters long. This was an important milestone that enabled the temple to conduct Buddhist ceremonies in full accordance with monastic discipline.

 

In addition, the temple was selected as a model development temple in 1996 and was later recognized as an outstanding development temple in 1999 due to its effective management, the promotion of religious activities, and its important role in improving the quality of life of people in the local community.

 

The total temple area is approximately 65 rai, 1 ngan, and 81 square wah. Within this area are numerous monastic buildings and religious structures that were constructed over different periods in order to support the religious activities and meditation practices of monks and lay Buddhists.

 

The most important structure in the temple is the Ordination Hall, which measures approximately 14 meters wide and 37 meters long. Construction began on June 9, 1996 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the reign of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, and it was completed in 2006, the year marking the 60th anniversary of his reign. Inside the ordination hall is the principal Buddha image, which serves as the spiritual center for worshippers.

 

In front of the ordination hall, the royal monogram ภปร. is prominently displayed as a symbol of loyalty to the monarchy and as a reflection of the close relationship between Buddhism and the Thai monarchy in Thai society.

 

In addition to the ordination hall, the temple also has a Sermon Hall, which was built in 1982. This is a two-story semi-concrete, semi-wooden building measuring 15 meters wide and 20 meters long. It is used for religious activities, community meetings, and moral education programs.

 

Another important structure is the Prayer Hall, completed in 1991. It measures 7 meters wide and 32 meters long and is built of wood. The hall has a quiet and peaceful atmosphere, making it suitable for chanting and meditation practice.

 

There are also 14 monk residences within the temple grounds, consisting of 4 wooden buildings and 10 semi-concrete, semi-wooden buildings, serving as living quarters for monks and nuns residing at the temple.

 

Besides the main buildings, the temple also has several other important structures, such as the Luang Pho Sothon Shrine, Emerald Buddha Shrine, Somdet Phra Phutthachan To Phromrangsi Shrine, King Chulalongkorn Pavilion, bell tower, and a Thai-style crematorium pavilion. These are all places where people come to pay respect and seek blessings.

 

Wat Sitthisangharam is also home to a Buddhist Scripture School, which has been operating since 1986. The school provides religious education for monks and young people in the area, allowing them to study and learn the teachings of Buddhism. The presence of this school within the temple reinforces the temple’s role as a center of religious education. It is not limited to ritual practice alone, but also serves as a place for cultivating morality and virtue among younger generations in the community.

 

In terms of meditation practice, Wat Sitthisangharam has attracted those who wish to cultivate mindfulness and train the mind, as the atmosphere within the temple is quiet, shaded, and peaceful, unlike temples located in major tourist areas. This characteristic makes the temple especially suitable for those seeking a place to rest the mind, make merit, listen to Dharma teachings, or spend time in true tranquility. The temple is therefore not only a religious site, but also a place for emotional and spiritual healing.

 

Wat Sitthisangharam also serves as the Royal Commemorative Mental Development Center of Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, making it more significant than an ordinary community temple. It is a place for organizing moral training, spiritual development, and community activities connected with Buddhism on a continuous basis. This role reflects the temple’s proactive work in promoting the quality of life of the people, rather than simply serving as a venue for merit-making during festivals.

 

At present, Wat Sitthisangharam is under the supervision of Phra Khru Sunthorn Kittiwat, who serves as the abbot and plays an important role in developing the temple into a religious and meditation center of Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. Through continuous management and careful maintenance of the temple grounds, the temple remains a respected place where local residents regularly come to join religious activities.

 

Getting There Wat Sitthisangharam can be reached from Hua Hin town or Pran Buri town by taking Phetkasem Road and then entering the Pran Buri Subdistrict area. From there, continue toward Nong Kram Village, where the temple is located not far from the main community area of the subdistrict. This makes it convenient to access by private car or by using map navigation applications. Visitors coming from Hua Hin can easily combine their trip with other attractions in Pran Buri or Pak Nam Pran, while those staying in Pran Buri town can reach the temple within a short time.

 

 

A: The temple is located in Nong Kram Village, Moo 2, Pran Buri Subdistrict, Pran Buri District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province.

 

A: The temple was established on December 2, 1969.

 

A: The current abbot is Phra Khru Sunthorn Kittiwat.

 

A: The temple has a peaceful and shaded atmosphere, making it ideal for meditation, merit-making, and paying respect to several sacred objects within the grounds.

 

A: The temple is open every day from 06:00 – 18:00.

 

A: No, there is no admission fee. Visitors can enter the temple during opening hours for worship and merit-making.

 

A: Inside the temple are the ordination hall, sermon hall, prayer hall, Luang Pho Sothon Shrine, Emerald Buddha Shrine, Somdet Phra Phutthachan To Phromrangsi Shrine, and many other religious structures.

 

A: Yes, it is highly suitable, as the temple has a quiet and peaceful atmosphere and also serves as the Royal Commemorative Mental Development Center of Prachuap Khiri Khan Province.