Wat Saphan

Name: Wat Saphan
Address: Phra Khanong, Khlong Toei, Bangkok, TH
Telephone: 027428688
Price range: 0
Rating: 3.1428571428571

Rating: 3.1/5 (7 votes)

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Operating day: Daily

Operating time: 08.00 - 17.00

Wat Saphan is a public temple under the jurisdiction of the Maha Nikaya sect, located in Phra Khanong Subdistrict, Khlong Toei District, Bangkok. This historic temple has long been intertwined with the way of life of the Phra Khanong community since the pre-Rattanakosin period.

Wat Saphan was established in 1857 (B.E. 2400). Initially, locals referred to it as "Wat Hua Saphan" (Temple at the Bridge’s Head) due to its proximity to a bridge over the Phra Khanong Canal. The site was once traversed by steam trains running between Hua Lamphong and Samut Prakan’s Pak Nam. Over time, steam trains were replaced by electric trams, and later, the route was converted into a modern road for motor vehicles.

Evidence of the temple's construction can be found in documents associated with the royal cremation of Phra Vinayanuwattikhun (Luang Pu Wing Kijjagaro). These records state that the temple’s ordination hall was built in 1918 (B.E. 2461) and underwent significant renovations in 1942 (B.E. 2485).

Currently, the geography around the temple has transformed over time. During the rainy season or high tides, water from the Phra Khanong Canal often floods the ordination hall. The temple most recently received a royal consecration boundary (Wisungkhama Sima) on August 9, 2010 (B.E. 2553).

The ordination hall houses several significant Buddha images, including replicas of Phra Phuttha Sihing, Phra Si Ariya Mettrai, Phra Phuttha Sothorn, Phra Phuttha Mahasiddhi Chok, Phra Phuttha Nirantarai, a reclining Buddha, and a standing Buddha holding an alms bowl.

Additionally, the temple serves as the location of the 18th Dharma Practice Center of Bangkok. It also houses a rehabilitation center for drug addicts and is a hub for community charity activities.

Religious Ceremonies and Activities Wat Saphan hosts various religious and cultural events aimed at preserving traditions and promoting moral values within the community. These include merit-making ceremonies, gilding and worship rituals, the Loy Krathong Festival, ordination projects for novice monks in April and October, and group ordination projects. These activities highlight the temple's role as a spiritual and cultural center for the community.

Wat Saphan has played a vital role in the lives of Phra Khanong residents from past to present. Despite environmental and societal changes, the temple remains a cornerstone of the community's spiritual life, offering a place for religious study and meditation.

More than just a residence for monks or a site for religious rituals, Wat Saphan is a living testament to the area's history, culture, and evolving way of life. It stands as a bridge between the past and present, embodying the essence of both eras beautifully.

Wat Saphan holds immense value in terms of religion, Thai culture, and history. With its unique charm and blend of the old and new, this temple is not only a must-visit landmark but also a site deserving of preservation to remain a lasting symbol of the Phra Khanong community for generations to come.