Wat Thammamun Worawihan

Rating: 4.5/5 (4 votes)

Open Days: Open Daily

Opening Hours: 06:00 – 18:00

 

Wat Thammamun Worawihan is an ancient royal monastery and one of the most important temples long regarded as a spiritual symbol of Chainat Province. It is situated on the slope of Khao Thammamun along the banks of the Chao Phraya River in Thammamun Subdistrict, Mueang Chainat District, about 8 kilometers north of Chainat town center. The temple can be reached via Highway No. 1 around kilometer markers 288–289, with an access road near Thammanukun School. This setting makes the temple not only a religious site but also a scenic viewpoint overlooking the beautiful Chao Phraya River basin.

 

Wat Thammamun Worawihan has a long history dating back to the Ayutthaya period and has been honored as one of Chainat’s most important temples since ancient times. Its location on a hill allows visitors to enjoy a clear view of the Chao Phraya River, giving the temple lasting significance in terms of religion, history, and local geography. It also serves as a center of faith for people in Chainat and nearby provinces who come throughout the year to pay respect to the sacred objects enshrined within the temple grounds.

 

Within the temple compound are several important Buddhist features, especially the main vihara, which houses Luang Pho Dhammachak, a highly revered sacred Buddha image worshipped by the people of Chainat. This Buddha image is depicted in the posture of pacifying relatives, standing on a lotus base, and has a distinctive characteristic rarely seen in other Buddha images: a Dhammachakra symbol appears at the center of the right palm, representing the Wheel of Dhamma, the symbol of the Buddha’s teachings.

 

The artistic style of Luang Pho Dhammachak reflects a blended tradition combining late Chiang Saen art, early Sukhothai art, and Ayutthaya-period influence. This gives the image both elegance and a distinctive identity. Art historians believe that the creation of the Dhammachakra symbol on the palm reflects the intention of craftsmen in the past to emphasize the symbolic role of the Buddha as the one who proclaims the Dhamma to the world.

 

The Dhammachakra symbol on the palm is also connected with the concept of the “32 Marks of a Great Man,” which are special characteristics of a great being according to Buddhist and ancient Indian belief. These include wheel marks on the soles of the feet, net-like patterns on the palms and soles, rounded ankles like upright conch shells, and a dignified face likened to that of a lion. All of these are symbols expressing the greatness of a supreme being.

 

Another remarkable feature of Wat Thammamun Worawihan can be seen around the ubosot, where red sandstone boundary stones are set around the sacred precinct. These sema stones are carved in the Ayutthaya style and are considered important archaeological evidence reflecting the temple’s prosperity in the past. They also demonstrate the temple’s significance as a center of Buddhism in the Chao Phraya River region.

 

Wat Thammamun Worawihan is important not only in religious terms, but also as a place of historical and cultural value for Chainat Province. The temple once served as a center of the local community and as a venue for religious ceremonies and cultural activities carried out by people in the area for many generations.

 

Every year, Wat Thammamun Worawihan hosts the annual worship festival for Luang Pho Dhammachak twice a year. The event is held during the waxing moon from the 4th to the 8th day of the 6th lunar month, and again during the waning moon from the 4th to the 8th day of the 11th lunar month. During these periods, people from Chainat and nearby areas come to make merit, pay respect to Luang Pho Dhammachak, and participate in religious activities in a lively atmosphere.

 

In addition to religious ceremonies, the worship festival also includes a traditional temple fair and a local market filled with regional food, community products, and cultural activities. This creates a vibrant atmosphere that beautifully reflects the local way of life in Chainat Province.

 

With its long history, graceful artistic heritage, and the sacred presence of Luang Pho Dhammachak, Wat Thammamun Worawihan has become an important destination that visitors to Chainat should not miss. Whether one comes to pay respect to sacred objects, learn about history, or simply admire the view of the Chao Phraya River from the hillside, the temple offers a meaningful and memorable experience.

 

Getting There From Chainat town center, travel north along Phahonyothin Road (Highway No. 1) for approximately 8 kilometers. Around kilometer markers 288–289, there is an access road leading toward the temple near Thammanukun School. Continue for a short distance and you will reach the road ascending to the temple on the hillside, where you can enjoy beautiful panoramic views of the Chao Phraya River and the surrounding area.

 

 

A: Wat Thammamun Worawihan is located in Thammamun Subdistrict, Mueang Chainat District, Chainat Province, about 8 kilometers from Chainat town center.

 

A: Luang Pho Dhammachak is the sacred Buddha image of Wat Thammamun Worawihan. It is depicted in the posture of pacifying relatives and features a Dhammachakra symbol at the center of the palm.

 

A: Wat Thammamun Worawihan dates back to the Ayutthaya period and has long been one of the important temples of Chainat Province.

 

A: The annual worship festival is held twice a year, during the waxing moon from the 4th to the 8th day of the 6th lunar month, and during the waning moon from the 4th to the 8th day of the 11th lunar month.

 

A: The temple can be visited year-round, but the period of the Luang Pho Dhammachak worship festival is especially lively and rich in cultural activities.