Wat Krathum Pi

Rating: 4.3/5 (8 votes)

Operating day: Daily

Operating time: 08.00 - 17.00

 

Wat Krathum Pi is located in Moo 1, Pho Chai Sub-district, In Buri District, Sing Buri Province. It is a royal temple under the Thammayut Nikaya sect, with a long and mysterious history associated with its establishment. According to legend, the land of the temple originally belonged to a couple named Nai Noi and Nang Chui, residents of Pho Chai. They cleared the forest and created a dwelling for monks. During religious festivals, the local people invited monks to perform merit-making ceremonies. Their faith grew, and they donated the land to establish the temple. Subsequently, local leaders such as Khun Pho Chai Rassadorn, the village headman, and Khun Sawat took the responsibility of inviting monks from Phra Singhaburacharn, the abbot of Sing Buri Province, to stay and practice at this temple.

 

The name "Wat Krathum Pi" is linked to a local legend about a large Krathum tree growing along the riverbank. People in the area often reported hearing sounds resembling a flute emanating from this tree. As a result, the temple was named "Wat Krathum Pi," based on this mystic sound, and the name has been associated with the temple ever since.

 

Wat Krathum Pi occupies an area of approximately 12 rai, 2 ngan, and 19 wa. To the east, it borders the temple grounds, to the west, it borders the Pho Chai River, to the north, it borders land owned by Mr. Mongkhon Sukato, and to the south, it is adjacent to public land. The temple received royal ecclesiastical recognition (visungkamsima) on August 25, 1921, and conducted the phutthasima ceremony in 1923.

 

Inside Wat Krathum Pi, there is a large stone Buddha image with a width of 197 cm and a height of 147 cm, which was transferred from Wat Bo So in 1923. The temple also has a stupa, constructed in 1927, with a base measuring 24 meters wide and a height of 12 meters and 50 centimeters. The bell tower was built in 1954 at a cost of 4,190 baht. A two-story sermon hall made of reinforced concrete was constructed in 1948 at a cost of 46,925 baht. The temple also has eight monk's residences, constructed in 1957 at a cost of 83,560 baht.

 

Wat Krathum Pi has been home to various abbots throughout its history. Notable abbots include Phra Ajahn Joy (2449–2460), Phra Bai Dika To (2460–2474), Phra Khru Vinyapirat (Fuang Phakhwamphati) (2474–2479), and Phra Singhaburacharn (Paen Phatthako) (2503–2530). Currently, Phra Singhakhanacharn (Twee Suwananapalo) serves as the abbot of the temple.

 

The Wat Krathum Pi Pattharatsrathrasit School was established in 1945 with the collaboration of the local Pho Chai community. The school was initially housed in a wooden building donated by Khun Chao Pho Chai (Lek Chan Saeng) as a temporary classroom. In 1948, a new reinforced concrete school building was constructed with the help of the local community and government. The school was renamed "Wat Krathum Pi Pattharatsrathrasit School," which currently offers education from primary through high school levels.

 

Wat Krathum Pi is a temple with profound historical and cultural significance to the Pho Chai community and Sing Buri Province. Its long history and ongoing development in both religious and educational areas make it a vital center of faith and learning for the community.