Wat Huai Tako

Rating: 2.6/5 (17 votes)

Operating day: daily

Operating time: 08.00 - 17.00

 

Wat Huai Tako Pha Niat, Nakhon Chai Si, Nakhon Pathom. Amidst the lush green fields of Phaniat Subdistrict, Nakhon Chai Si District, Nakhon Pathom Province, lies a modest temple rich in artistry and spiritual legacy — Wat Huai Tako. Though relatively unknown, this temple is home to remarkable cultural treasures and a deep-rooted history waiting to be discovered.

 

Although official documentation from the Department of Religious Affairs states that Wat Huai Tako was established in 1786 (B.E. 2342), archaeological evidence within the temple grounds suggests a much older origin, possibly dating back to the U Thong period. This is indicated by intricately carved red sandstone sema stones that encircle the old ordination hall, reminiscent of the Dvaravati style.

 

One of the most revered relics at the temple is a Buddha image known as “Luang Pho Hin”, depicted in the Pacifying the Ocean posture, standing on a lotus base and entirely covered in lacquer and gold leaf. Believed to have been brought from the now-abandoned Wat Khok Makham, this statue was originally a Dvaravati-style Buddha in the Teaching posture. Over time, parts of the statue were damaged, prompting restoration — including the head, arms, and base giving it a renewed presence as a centerpiece of local devotion.

 

Recognizing the importance of preserving local traditions, Phra Khru Sangharak Paiboon Katapunyo, the current abbot, initiated the creation of the Wat Huai Tako Folk Museum. This museum houses traditional farming tools, pottery, utensils, and everyday objects that once shaped the rural life of the surrounding community.

 

Far more than a display of old relics, the museum serves as a bridge between generations — connecting the youth with their cultural roots and promoting awareness of local wisdom that is gradually fading in the modern age.

 

One of the temple’s most striking features is its new ordination hall, inspired by the library (Bannalai) of the Phanom Rung Historical Park, a prime example of Khmer architecture in Thailand. With a keen interest in Khmer art, the abbot incorporated elements of ancient design into this modern sanctuary, creating a unique architectural blend that honors both Thai and neighboring influences.

 

The intricate details and symbolic carvings adorning the hall not only reflect aesthetic sophistication but also serve as a visual narrative of Buddhist teachings and the fusion of Southeast Asian craftsmanship.

 

Today, Wat Huai Tako plays a vital role as both a place of worship and a community cultural center. It hosts religious festivals, traditional performances, painting workshops, and educational exhibits — inviting participation from locals and fostering a sense of pride and identity.

 

By seamlessly integrating religion, art, and community, Wat Huai Tako has emerged as a model “Temple for the People”, not merely preserving the past but actively shaping the future.

 

Wat Huai Tako is more than a rural temple it is a living testament to heritage, where Dvaravati art meets local wisdom, and faith intertwines with creativity and cultural stewardship.

 

Though just a short trip from the heart of Bangkok, a visit to Wat Huai Tako promises an immersive encounter with the spiritual and cultural rhythms of Nakhon Chai Si, where history continues to flow like the rivers of time.