Wat Nam Khum

Wat Nam Khum is a significant Buddhist temple located at 145 Ban Nam Khum, Moo 3, Nam Khum Subdistrict, Si Nakhon District, Sukhothai Province. It is affiliated with the Maha Nikaya sect of Thai Buddhism and occupies a total land area of 17 rai, 2 ngan, and 44 square wah. The temple’s boundaries are clearly defined: to the north, it extends 88 wah and 2 sok, bordering a public road; to the south, it stretches 88 wah and 2 sok, also adjoining a public road; the eastern boundary, measuring 54 wah, connects to the shallow Yom Canal; and to the west, 57 wah, again touching a public road. The temple is situated on a flat terrain, with the Yom Canal passing through, though its waters are shallow and meandering.

 

The temple complex contains several important structures serving both religious and communal functions. The ubosot, or main ordination hall, measures 7 meters in width and 20 meters in length and was constructed in 1945 (B.E. 2488). The sermon hall, or sala kan parien, spans 20 meters by 36 meters and was completed in 1975 (B.E. 2518), providing space for ceremonies and community gatherings. There is also a prayer hall measuring 10 meters by 11 meters, built in 1972 (B.E. 2515), along with four wooden monk’s quarters that accommodate the resident monks. Within the ubosot, the temple houses two brass Buddha statues, serving as sacred objects of veneration for both monks and lay devotees.

 

The origins of Wat Nam Khum date back to 1809 (B.E. 2352), when it was officially established as a temple. The temple’s name derives from the village it serves, Ban Nam Khum. Around 1797 (B.E. 2340), people migrated from different areas to form a new settlement, which they named Ban Nam Khum. As the population grew, the villagers collectively built the temple as a center for religious and communal life. The temple was officially granted its sacred boundary, known as Wisungkhamasima, on August 23, 1934 (B.E. 2477), signifying its full recognition as a place of Buddhist worship.

 

Throughout its history, Wat Nam Khum has been led by several abbots who contributed to the temple’s development and spiritual guidance. The first abbot was Phra Sut, followed by Phra Pan. From 1940 to 1960 (B.E. 2483–2503), Phra Khru Kanutrachan presided over the temple, succeeded by Phra Khru Suthammanurak, who continues to serve as the abbot to the present day (B.E. 2555). Under their stewardship, the temple has maintained its role as a spiritual and cultural hub for the community.

 

Wat Nam Khum is renowned not only for its religious significance but also for its local traditions that reflect the unique cultural identity of the region. Among these, the Phuang Mahot festival and the Tak Bat Thewo ceremony are particularly notable. The Phuang Mahot festival is a local tradition that involves the preparation and offering of symbolic floral arrangements, showcasing the creativity and devotion of the community. Meanwhile, the Tak Bat Thewo, held annually during the end of Buddhist Lent, is a major ceremonial event in Si Nakhon District. Residents from villages 3, 4, 6, 7, and 10 in Nam Khum Subdistrict actively participate, bringing alms to the monks in a collective display of merit-making, religious reverence, and community solidarity.

 

The temple’s connection to the Yom Canal not only provides a scenic environment but also historically facilitated access and transportation for the villagers, linking their daily lives with the natural landscape. Over the decades, Wat Nam Khum has maintained its significance as a center for religious education, cultural preservation, and social cohesion. It remains a vital site for both spiritual practices and communal gatherings, embodying the intertwined heritage of Sukhothai’s history, local customs, and Buddhist traditions. Through the continuous practice of age-old ceremonies and the upkeep of its sacred structures, Wat Nam Khum stands as a testament to the enduring faith and cultural identity of the Nam Khum community.