Wat San Chao

Rating: 3.8/5 (4 votes)

Operating day: daily

Operating time: 08.00 - 17.00

 

Wat San Chao Wat San Chao is a temple located in Ban Makharm, Ban Klang Subdistrict, Mueang Pathum Thani District, Pathum Thani Province. It is a Buddhist temple under the Maha Nikaya sect and holds significant religious and cultural importance in the local community. Situated by the Chao Phraya River and Chiang Rak Canal, the temple offers a peaceful and serene atmosphere, making it a perfect place for worship and reflection.

 

There are different legends about the temple's origin. One story suggests that it was built around 1790 (B.E. 2330) by a group of Mon people who fled the war with Burma and sought refuge in the kingdom. The temple was named after its location at the mouth of the San Chao Canal, and it was granted its official monastic boundary (Visung Kamasima) in 1793 (B.E. 2333). Another legend states that the temple was founded during the late Ayutthaya period by Chao Noi Maha Phrom, a nobleman from the northern region who possessed great knowledge of sorcery. He floated down the Chao Phraya River and reached Wat Makharm, where he met a Mon monk named Phra Ajarn Ru. After a magical contest, Chao Noi Maha Phrom became impressed with Phra Ajarn Ru's skills and decided to build the temple and a shrine, which is how Wat San Chao got its name.

 

The temple features several important buildings and structures. One of the most significant is the ubosot (ordination hall), which was originally built by Chao Noi Maha Phrom during Phra Ajarn Ru's time and later renovated. The temple also has a Mon-style pagoda, as well as a sermon hall housing a Buddha image created by Chao Noi Maha Phrom.

 

A prominent attraction in the temple is the Chinese-style hall where the spirit of the temple, known as the "Chao Phraya Wat San Chao," is enshrined. The hall is a three-story structure located by the river, and the upper floor houses relics of the Buddha. This makes the hall a sacred site for many worshippers.

 

Additionally, the temple is home to a shrine dedicated to Sian Pae, a well-known Chinese layman revered for his mystical powers. Many visitors come to seek blessings for prosperity in business and financial success.

 

One of the unique features of Wat San Chao is the Wat San Chao Riverside Market, which operates on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays. The market offers a variety of local goods, including food, handicrafts, and other items that attract tourists looking to experience the local lifestyle and culture.

 

Wat San Chao is a temple of great religious, historical, and cultural significance. It is not only a place of worship but also a venue that fosters the connection between the local community and visitors. With its beautiful location by the Chao Phraya River and its unique architecture, the temple provides a peaceful retreat for spiritual reflection. In addition, the Riverside Market adds a lively and distinctive attraction for those who wish to explore the local traditions and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the area.