Wat Singkaram

Wat Singkaram is an ancient Buddhist temple under the Maha Nikaya order, located on a high plain in Khanuworalukburi District, Kamphaeng Phet Province. Its location is notable as it sits at a junction connecting main roads leading to Khanuworalukburi District, Bo Tham Subdistrict in Nakhon Sawan Province, and Kamphaeng Phet Province, making the temple a center of faith and a focal point for people from several subdistricts. The temple was established around 1857 (B.E. 2400), and local residents commonly call it “Wat Salok Bat,” after the name of the surrounding village. Later, it received royal permission for a consecrated boundary (Wisungkham Sima) on August 6, 1963 (B.E. 2506), covering an area of 40 meters wide and 60 meters long. The formal marking of the temple boundary (Phutthasima) took place on March 24, 1978 (B.E. 2521), symbolizing the temple’s spiritual significance and stability.

 

Within the temple grounds, the main ordination hall (Ubosot) measures 10 meters wide and 25 meters long, built in 1978 (B.E. 2521) with reinforced concrete, providing a strong structure for conducting important Buddhist rituals. The sermon hall (Sala Kan Prian), measuring 18 meters wide and 27 meters long, was constructed in 1922 (B.E. 2465) using traditional wooden architecture, preserving cultural and historical value. The prayer hall (Hor Suat Mon) is 5 meters wide and 7 meters long, built in 1963 (B.E. 2506) from wood, used for daily chanting and religious ceremonies. The temple houses 25 monk’s quarters, including two concrete buildings and 23 wooden structures, reflecting the community-oriented nature of the temple. Important sacred objects within the temple include the principal Buddha image and relics, which serve as the center of faith for local devotees and visiting worshippers.

 

Wat Singkaram also plays a significant role in education. In 1969 (B.E. 2512), the temple began offering Pali Buddhist studies (Pariyatti Dhamma) for monks and novices to study Buddhist scriptures properly. Additionally, a government-operated primary school is situated within the temple grounds, supported and assisted by the temple to promote education for local children, highlighting the temple’s role as a learning center.

 

Due to its strategic location along main roads, Wat Singkaram serves as a gateway connecting people from various subdistricts in Kamphaeng Phet and Nakhon Sawan. It is a popular site for community religious activities, merit-making ceremonies, and Buddhist festivals, including almsgiving, Magha Puja, Visakha Puja, Buddhist Lent, and annual Kathin ceremonies. The temple is both a spiritual hub and a symbol of community unity. Wat Singkaram not only serves as a place of religious practice but also reflects the continuity of local culture. The historic wooden buildings, such as the sermon hall and prayer hall, showcase traditional architectural heritage that deserves preservation. The principal Buddha image and relics remain a focal point of faith, attracting not only locals but also visitors seeking spiritual merit.

 

Visitors can easily access Wat Singkaram due to its position along major routes connecting Khanuworalukburi District, Kamphaeng Phet, and Nakhon Sawan. It is a convenient stop for those wishing to pay respects to the principal Buddha image and relics. Wat Singkaram is a historical and religious site with educational and social significance. It serves as a spiritual center for the community, a place of learning, and a guardian of local cultural heritage. Those who visit the temple to pay homage and observe its historic architecture can experience peace of mind, spiritual fulfillment, and a deeper understanding of Thai local culture.