Wat Lat Ped

Wat Lad Ped is a public temple under the Maha Nikaya sect, located in Tachang Subdistrict, Wiset Chai Chan District, Ang Thong Province. The temple occupies approximately 28 rai, 2 ngan, and 48 square wah, and it has three plots of land designated for religious purposes, totaling 16 rai. The temple area is situated in a low-lying plain surrounded by rice fields and irrigation canals.

 

It is believed that Wat Lad Ped was established during the Ayutthaya period but fell into disrepair and was abandoned for a time. In 1835 BE, the temple was restored and officially established. It received royal permission for its ecclesiastical boundary on June 20, 1910 BE, to serve as a center for religious and educational activities.

 

Since 1957 BE, Wat Lad Ped has offered education in Buddhist scriptures, helping to enhance the understanding of Buddhism among the youth in the community. In 1989 BE, the temple received a second royal ecclesiastical boundary to accommodate the growth of the community and the expansion of Buddhist education.

 

Wat Lad Ped features notable architecture, including an ubosot (ordination hall) constructed with brick and mortar in a traditional Thai style. The building's foundation is slightly recessed, and the gable has no stucco decorations but is adorned with beautiful terracotta decorations. Additionally, there is a vihara (assembly hall) built behind the ubosot, which has no structural columns inside, creating a spacious and open interior.

 

The temple also includes a sala (multi-purpose hall) measuring 12 meters wide and 26 meters long, constructed in 1956 BE from wood, used for various activities. A chanting hall measuring 6 meters by 6 meters, built in 1957 BE, also made of wood, is available for prayers. Moreover, there are eight monk's quarters, all wooden structures for the monks' residence.

 

Wat Lad Ped plays a vital role in promoting education and practicing Dharma within the community, particularly through organizing various activities such as annual merit-making and significant local festivals. The temple serves as a gathering place for villagers to engage in religious activities and as a spiritual refuge for people in the area.

 

Wat Lad Ped is not only a site of historical significance in Buddhism but also a center for education and Dharma practice in Tachang Subdistrict, Wiset Chai Chan District, Ang Thong Province. With its beautiful architecture and significant role in the lives of local residents, Wat Lad Ped is an important place for those interested in Buddhism and Thai culture to explore and appreciate.