Wat Sumpatuan

Rating: 3.5/5 (4 votes)

Operating day: daily

Operating time: 08.00 - 17.00

 

Wat Sumpatuan Wat Khae, Nakhon Chai Si, Nakhon Pathom. Wat Sumpatuan is a revered temple located along the Tha Chin River in the Wat Kae Sub-district of Nakhon Chai Si District, Nakhon Pathom Province, Thailand. It is a public temple belonging to the Dhammayut Nikaya sect. The temple was established in 1896 and received its official boundary recognition (Visungkhamsima) on October 24, 1978. The temple's name, Sumpatuan, is derived from the surrounding area, which has an intriguing local legend tied to the origin of the name.

 

The name "Wat Sumpatuan" stems from a local legend involving three Buddha statues found floating in the Tha Chin River. According to the tale, the three Buddha statues had their heads above the water while their bodies remained submerged, tied together by a rope. Instead of being carried away downstream by the current, the statues moved upstream, counter to the flow of the river, and circled around the area near the temple. The villagers attempted to pull the statues ashore but could not. The ropes eventually broke, and the statues disappeared into the river, never to be seen again. The area was subsequently known as "Sam Phra Thuan" (Three Phra Thuan), which later evolved into the name "Sumpatuan".

 

In 1917, Wat Sumpatuan played a vital role in education by supporting the establishment of a school within its grounds. The Wat Sumpatuan School (also known as Photharatprasat School) was founded on May 17, 1917. The school became an important educational institution for the local community, providing both secular education and instruction in Buddhist teachings. The temple and its school became instrumental in promoting literacy, cultural knowledge, and religious values within the region.

 

One of the central attractions of Wat Sumpatuan is the Phra Phra Silalang, a highly revered Buddha image housed at the temple. Local belief holds that this Buddha image possesses significant sacred powers and is capable of offering spiritual healing to those who seek its blessings. Phra Phra Silalang has become a symbol of devotion and faith for the local community, representing a deeply rooted connection to both religious practice and the cultural identity of the people.

 

Wat Sumpatuan is not only a place of worship but also a central hub for community activities, education, and cultural preservation. Through its involvement in the founding of the local school and its ongoing efforts in religious and cultural outreach, the temple continues to play a pivotal role in the development of the community. It supports local traditions, provides a space for people to practice their faith, and helps preserve the cultural heritage of the area.

 

Wat Sumpatuan is an essential site for both the spiritual and cultural life of the local community. With its rich history, deep-rooted religious significance, and connection to the legend of the "Three Phra Thuan," the temple remains an important symbol of faith and education. The presence of Phra Phra Silalang continues to inspire devotion, while the temple’s historical role in the local education system underscores its ongoing influence. A visit to Wat Sumpatuan offers both a spiritual journey and an opportunity to learn about the captivating history and traditions that have shaped this sacred space.