Wat Sirichanthanimit Worawihan (Wat Khao Phra Ngam)

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Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 08:00 – 16:30

 

Wat Sirichanthanimit Worawihan (Wat Khao Phra Ngam) is an important temple in Lopburi Province, located in Khao Phra Ngam Subdistrict, Mueang Lopburi District. The temple is best known for its large white Buddha statue situated on the foothill of Khao Phra Ngam. This impressive statue can be clearly seen from a distance along Phahonyothin Road. Because of this distinctive landmark, the temple has become one of the symbols of the Khao Phra Ngam area and a place where many people travel to pay respect and make merit regularly.

 

The temple is located about 12 kilometers north of the Lopburi Provincial Hall. Visitors can travel along Phahonyothin Road, also known as Highway No. 1, heading toward Khok Samrong. As travelers approach the temple area, they will notice the large white Buddha statue standing prominently on the hillside, which serves as a clear landmark of the surrounding area.

 

Originally, this area was an abandoned temple with no clear historical evidence indicating when it was first established. There are no recorded details about the founder or the exact period of its construction. However, the landscape of Khao Phra Ngam consists of natural hills and a peaceful environment, making it suitable for meditation and religious activities in the past.

 

An important turning point for the temple occurred in 1912 (B.E. 2455) when Phra Umalee Khunupamajarn (Chan Sirichanto), who was the abbot of Wat Boromniwas Ratchaworawihan in Bangkok at the time, traveled on a pilgrimage to this area together with another monk. After seeing the landscape of Khao Phra Ngam, he considered it an appropriate place to restore the temple and construct a large Buddha statue to serve as a spiritual center for local Buddhists.

 

Phra Umalee Khunupamajarn then initiated the construction of a large Buddha image on the foothill of Khao Phra Ngam. The statue has a lap width of approximately 11 wa and a height of about 18 wa from the lap to the top of the head, making it one of the most remarkable Buddha images in Lopburi during that period.

 

A unique feature of this Buddha statue is the use of garlic jars to form the curls of the Buddha’s hair. This technique reflects the creativity and local wisdom of artisans during that era, giving the statue a distinctive appearance compared with other Buddha images.

 

After the construction was completed, the Buddha image was given the name “Phra Phuttha Narumit Matchima Phutthakan.” Later, in 1926 (B.E. 2469), the statue underwent a significant restoration and was renamed “Phra Phuttha Patiphak Matchima Phutthakan,” which remains its official name today.

 

The large white Buddha statue on the foothill of Khao Phra Ngam has since become a prominent symbol of Wat Sirichanthanimit Worawihan and an important landmark of the surrounding area, visible from a considerable distance.

 

Today, Wat Sirichanthanimit Worawihan is under the supervision of Phra Ratchawisut Prachanat, who serves as the current abbot. He plays an important role in maintaining the temple, preserving Buddhist teachings, and serving as a spiritual leader for the community in the Khao Phra Ngam area.

 

The temple also holds significance for nearby communities, including personnel from the Army Aviation Center, which is located not far from the temple grounds. As a result, Wat Khao Phra Ngam has become a spiritual center for both local residents and military families living in the area.

 

Many people visit the temple to make merit, pay respect to the Buddha image, and participate in religious ceremonies, especially on important Buddhist holy days. The temple therefore plays an important role in the religious and cultural life of the surrounding community.

 

The white Buddha statue on Khao Phra Ngam also serves as a notable landmark for the Khao Phra Ngam area and the nearby Army Aviation Center, as it can be seen clearly from afar and inspires faith among those who travel through the area.

 

Getting There Visitors can travel to Wat Sirichanthanimit Worawihan via Phahonyothin Road (Highway No. 1) from Lopburi city center heading toward Khok Samrong for approximately 12 kilometers. Public buses operating on the Lopburi – Khao Phra Ngam – Army Aviation Center route also pass in front of the temple. Passengers can board the bus near Wat Phrommas or around King Narai’s Palace in Lopburi city.

 

With its long history and the remarkable white Buddha statue located on the hillside, Wat Sirichanthanimit Worawihan has become an important destination in terms of religion, history, and tourism in Lopburi Province.

 

 

A: The temple is located in Khao Phra Ngam Subdistrict, Mueang Lopburi District, Lopburi Province, about 12 kilometers from Lopburi Provincial Hall.

 

A: The statue is called Phra Phuttha Patiphak Matchima Phutthakan.

 

A: The statue was first constructed in 1912 by Phra Umalee Khunupamajarn.

 

A: The statue has a lap width of approximately 11 wa and a height of about 18 wa.

 

A: Visitors can travel from Lopburi city via Phahonyothin Road for about 12 kilometers or take the Lopburi – Khao Phra Ngam – Army Aviation Center bus route.