Wat Taiyan

Wat Tai Yan, located in Sala Daeng Subdistrict, Mueang District, Ang Thong Province, is a temple with a long history and significant religious and local cultural importance. Although the temple’s vihara (main hall) was closed for many years, it has recently been restored and reopened as a prominent pilgrimage site and tourist attraction in the province.

 

Wat Tai Yan is situated on flat, low-lying land, covering a total area of 35 rai, 3 ngan, and 92 square wah. It is surrounded by private land and irrigation canals. The temple also owns an additional 9 plots of monastic land, totaling 59 rai, 3 ngan, and 7 square wah, which have been leased to poor villagers for residential use and agricultural activities.

 

The temple's vihara had been closed since 1994 by the late Abbot Luang Pho Bun until Phra Piya Phan, the current abbot, reopened it for public worship. Inside the vihara is the large reclining Buddha statue, Phra Phuttha Saiyat Phunyanpha, the second largest reclining Buddha in Ang Thong Province, after the Phra Saiyat Khun Inthapramun. The Buddha image is elegantly draped in golden silk, enhancing its beauty and grandeur.

 

In addition to the reclining Buddha, the vihara houses other important religious artifacts, such as a statue of Luang Pho Rod, over 100 years old, which is an ancient lacquered plaster figure. Another sacred statue is that of Luang Pho Lap, also made of plaster but showing signs of wear with cracks. These figures are revered by the local people and throughout Ang Thong Province.

 

Wat Tai Yan is also famous for its four renowned monks: Luang Pu Rod, Luang Pho Lap, Luang Pho Bun, and Luang Pho Than. All four are highly respected by local villagers and Buddhist devotees. Their names are considered auspicious, making the temple a revered site for worship and pilgrimage.

 

Currently, the Sala Daeng Subdistrict Municipality is working with Wat Tai Yan to restore and develop the temple's vihara, turning it into a tourist attraction alongside the nearby abandoned Wat Sangkratai, famous for its ancient structures enveloped by the roots of Bodhi trees. In addition, 35 Ruesi Dat Ton (traditional Thai hermit exercises) statues have been installed for public exercise.

 

Wat Tai Yan is a significant cultural and religious site in Ang Thong Province. With its fascinating history and large reclining Buddha statue, the restoration of the temple and the reopening of the vihara mark a cultural revival and provide a new destination for both worship and tourism.