Wat Ratchakiri Hiranyaram

Wat Ratchakiri Hiranyaram, located on Khao Samo Khaeng in Ban Samo Khaeng, Wang Thong District, Phitsanulok Province, is a temple with a long-standing history and significant religious and historical value. The temple can be reached from Phitsanulok city by following Highway 12, the Phitsanulok–Lom Sak route, for approximately 14 kilometers. About 3 kilometers before reaching Wang Thong, there is a left turn that leads up the hill for another 300 meters, placing the temple on elevated terrain with scenic views of the surrounding nature.

 

The origins of Wat Ratchakiri Hiranyaram are not clearly documented, and it is not known who initially established the temple. Over time, it fell into disrepair until 1940. In 1987, the Ministry of Education’s Department of Religious Affairs officially recognized the temple on February 26, 1987, confirming that it met the complete requirements of the Sangha Administration Act, R.S. 121.

 

The temple’s historical significance is mentioned in the royal writings of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), who referred to the temple in the context of Buddhism. According to the records, the Buddha once stopped for alms under a Siamese rosewood tree on Khao Samo Khaeng, originally called Phanom Samo. The location was deemed suitable for establishing a temple and a new city. Later, King Si Thammarat Tripitaka, together with his chief queen Phra Nang Pathum Mavadi, founded the new city of Phitsanulok Okhaburi in 953 B.E. (1496 CE).

 

During the temple’s construction, King Si Thammarat Tripitaka erected a main chedi in the form of a prang, 8 wa high, along with four viharns (assembly halls) facing each direction. Three important Buddha images were created: Phra Phuttha Chinnarat, Phra Phuttha Chinsi, and Phra Srisasda. Initially, the casting of Phra Phuttha Chinnarat was unsuccessful, requiring several attempts. Eventually, with the combined dedication and merit-making of the king and queen, along with the assistance of the white-eyed layman (Chee Pa Khao), the casting was completed successfully, and the three Buddha images were enshrined in the viharns.

 

Wat Ratchakiri Hiranyaram held a highly important position in ancient times. Revered monks, including Phra Ubali and Phra Siriman, presided over chanting ceremonies twice, highlighting the temple’s religious prominence. Today, the temple covers approximately 230 rai, 3 ngan, and 80 square wah. Although time and human interference have caused some damage to the ubosot, viharn, and chedis, especially by those seeking sacred artifacts known as "Phra Somdet Nang Phaya," its historical and religious value remains significant.

 

Currently, Wat Ratchakiri Hiranyaram is not only a place of worship for locals but also a historical and nature-based tourist destination. Visitors can study Buddhist history, enjoy the tranquility of the temple, and admire ancient architecture alongside the natural beauty of Khao Samo Khaeng. Its accessibility from Phitsanulok city makes it an important site for historical, religious, and cultural tourism in northern Thailand.