TL;DR: Wat Khlong Ban Mai. is a Buddhist temple under the Mahanikaya sect, located in Si Kan Subdistrict, Don Mueang District, Bangkok. This temple serves as a.
Wat Khlong Ban Mai
Operating day: Daily
Operating time: 08.00 - 17.00
Wat Khlong Ban Mai is a Buddhist temple under the Mahanikaya sect, located in Si Kan Subdistrict, Don Mueang District, Bangkok. This temple serves as a spiritual center and a source of guidance in Buddhism for local residents. It holds importance in religion, history, and local culture. Originally, it was known as “Wat Khlong Ban Mai Santi Bunmaram” or sometimes called “Wat Santi Bunmaram.” The temple was founded when Mrs. Bunma Sulakkhana donated land for its construction, and Luang Pho Santi became its first abbot, pioneering the development of the temple from the very beginning.
In its early days, Wat Khlong Ban Mai did not yet have an ordination hall (ubosot) for conducting Buddhist rituals. Luang Pho Santi gradually built various monastic structures to complete the temple and support religious practices, starting with monks’ dwellings, a meditation hall, a kitchen, a dining hall, and a vihara. Eventually, a four-gabled ubosot was successfully constructed, becoming one of the temple’s distinctive features. Inside, the principal Buddha image has a lap width of 99 inches, large and majestic, inspiring deep faith among worshippers.
The ubosot also houses Luang Pho Thong Somwang, a highly revered Buddha image among the locals. Additionally, there is a replica of Phra Phuttha Chinnarat with a 29-inch lap width, cast in Phitsanulok—the birthplace of the original world-famous Phra Phuttha Chinnarat. This gives the replica at Wat Khlong Ban Mai a profound significance and a wide following of devotees.
The temple was officially recognized on June 11, 1984. Since then, it has become a central venue for Buddhist ceremonies such as almsgiving, ordination, candlelight processions on important Buddhist days, and traditional festivals that foster community unity and preserve the religion.
Wat Khlong Ban Mai also plays an important role in Dhamma propagation and Vipassana meditation practice. The temple has a dedicated meditation hall where laypeople can train their minds and cultivate mindfulness. Many visitors, especially during holidays and festivals, come to meditate here, using the temple as a refuge both physically and spiritually.
Beyond religious functions, the temple continuously improves its facilities, including the dining hall, kitchen, and restrooms, to accommodate both local devotees and visiting worshippers. This reflects the temple’s well-organized management and consideration for visitors’ comfort.
The temple has been led by successive abbots, beginning with Luang Pho Santi, the founder, followed by Phra Khru Sangharak Sitti Thaworn Thammo, and currently Phra Khru Pariyatthikunathon (Ong-ard, Pali Level 4), who continues to oversee the temple’s development, ensuring it remains a spiritual anchor for Buddhists in Don Mueang.
The temple atmosphere leaves a lasting impression on visitors. With its shady, tranquil environment, it is ideal for meditation, chanting, and merit-making. The large Buddha image in the ubosot stands majestically, embodying the faith and dedication of the community who worked together to build it. The temple continues to be a sanctuary where people seek peace and spiritual strength through Buddhist practices.
Wat Khlong Ban Mai also hosts annual merit-making and community activities, which not only uphold Buddhism but also strengthen social bonds. Important Buddhist days such as Makha Bucha, Visakha Bucha, and Asalha Bucha see locals and devotees gathering to give alms, listen to sermons, join candlelight processions, and meditate. The evening processions, circling the ubosot with the grand Buddha image inside, create an atmosphere of beauty and sanctity.
Other annual ceremonies include Kathina and Pha Pa robe offerings, major merit-making events attracting devotees from near and far. Proceeds from these ceremonies support temple development, restoration of structures, and Dhamma propagation. The Kathina celebration is particularly lively, with processions full of smiles, joy, and traditional Thai music.
The temple also organizes summer ordination programs for young men, instilling moral values and Buddhist teachings in the youth. Participants study Buddhist discipline, practice meditation, and absorb Buddhist culture, laying a strong foundation for future society.
During New Year and Songkran festivals, the temple becomes a hub for merit-making and blessings, including almsgiving and the traditional water-pouring ceremony to pay respect to senior monks and elders. These activities reflect gratitude and the beauty of Thai cultural traditions.
Through these continuous activities, Wat Khlong Ban Mai serves not only as a religious center but also as a gathering place where people reconnect, create merit, and preserve Thai traditions.
Today, the temple is located at 16/3 Moo 6, Nawong Prachapattana Road, Si Kan Subdistrict, Don Mueang District, Bangkok 10210. Conveniently accessible, it is close to the city and well-connected by roads, making it not only a spiritual refuge for the community but also a cultural and religious attraction for visitors.
Wat Khlong Ban Mai reflects the deep faith and collective efforts of both monks and laypeople who dedicated themselves to building and maintaining its sacred structures. Anyone visiting the temple can feel the serene atmosphere, the spiritual devotion, and the sacred energy that make Wat Khlong Ban Mai a significant landmark in Don Mueang and Bangkok.
Tel : 029291188
Category: ●Places of Worship
Group: ●Temple
Last Update : 7 MonthAgo
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