Wat Si Mung Mueang

Wat Si Mung Muang is currently located at No. 81, Ban Mai, Village No. 5, Luang Nuea Subdistrict, Ngao District, Lampang Province, covering an area of 21 rai, 1 ngan, and 40 square wah. It is affiliated with the Mahanikaya sect and was granted wisungkhamsima (a royal boundary for ordination) in 1977.

 

Wat Si Mung Muang was originally built around 1930 CE. It was once abandoned, but was later restored through the efforts of community leaders, including Jongtaka Sangto Rattanakammon and Khun Nua Norakarn, together with local residents. Since then, the temple has been gradually renovated and expanded with new sacred structures, creating a beautiful, peaceful, and shaded environment. Within the temple grounds stands a revered Buddha image known as Chao Pho Thong Thip, which is considered the sacred guardian image of the people of Ngao District.

 

The people of Luang Nuea Subdistrict have had a close and longstanding relationship with the temple. Their daily lives are deeply connected with it, as the temple serves as the spiritual and communal center of the village. It is the venue for various religious rituals and festivals, including major Buddhist holidays, merit-making events, the sand-carrying ceremony, and the annual Salak Phat (ceremony of offering to monks).

 

In addition, every year on the 15th waxing moon of the 5th lunar month (Northern Thai calendar), the temple holds a ceremony for bathing the sacred stupa, a traditional ritual in which all subdistricts in Ngao District jointly participate.

 

Historical artifacts have been discovered within the temple grounds, handed over by the abbot. These artifacts are believed to be around 300 years old and were excavated from behind the temple and from the ancient city moat.

 

Surface surveys around the ancient city area of Wat Si Mung Muang revealed fragments of earthenware. More importantly, remnants of a vihara (assembly hall) and a stupa were found near the road passing through the village, northeast of the temple. This location aligns with the connecting area between the ancient city of Wat Si Mung Muang and the ancient city of Ban Mai.

 

Wat Si Mung Muang is considered one of the oldest stupa temples in Ngao District. It holds deep reverence among the residents of Ban Mai and Luang Nuea Subdistricts. On important religious and cultural occasions, local villagers gather in unity to participate in ceremonies held at the temple.

 

The temple is also recognized as the first established temple in Ngao District. It houses the ancient Phra That Tung Kham, a stupa estimated to be about 800 years old. Inside the temple are several sacred images including a Buddha image carved from jackfruit wood, Phra Upakut, Phra Sivali, and a rare Phra Chao Thanjai (Instantly Venerated Buddha) in the Chakravartin World-Opening posture, claimed to be the only one of its kind in Thailand. The temple also features twelve wooden zodiac stupas, allowing devotees to pay homage according to their birth year.