Wat Huai Pha

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Operating day: Daily

Operating time: 08.00 - 17.00

 

Wat Huai Pha Attractions in Mae Hong Son Huai Pha, Muang Mae Hong Son, Mae Hong Son. Wat Huai Pha, belonging to the Maha Nikaya Order, covers an area of 1 rai, 2 ngan, and 44 square wah (approximately 2,176 square meters). The temple structures include an ordination hall (ubosot), a sermon hall, an ancient Buddha image, and a revered chedi.

 

Wat Huai Pha was established in 1876 (BE 2419) and was granted the Wisungkhamsima on April 23, 1986, with a designated sacred boundary measuring 40 meters in width and 80 meters in length.

 

The chedi at Wat Huai Pha is a golden stucco structure with Buddha images enshrined in niches facing all four directions. Surrounding the main chedi are four smaller chedis, with lion statues guarding each cardinal point at the base. Built in 1887 (BE 2430), the chedi enshrines relics of Arahants. The identity of the builder remains unknown. Today, the chedi is a place of veneration for the Shan community residing in Huai Pha subdistrict.

 

The ubosot is a two-story teakwood structure in the Shan architectural style, characterized by its unique "two necks and three tiers" design. It features intricate carvings and a beautifully decorated zinc roof with delicate cut-out patterns. This ubosot, granted the Wisungkhamsima in 1986, is considered one of the most exquisite teakwood ordination halls in Mae Hong Son Province.

 

The temple is currently under the leadership of Phra Ajahn Kattiya Khantiko, who has served as abbot since 1993 (BE 2536). The temple also conducts activities to preserve Shan culture, including teaching the Shan language and delivering sermons in Shan by novice monks.

 

Previous abbots include Phra Nanta (1917–1936), Phra Kaew (1937–1941), Phra Yo (1942–1947), Phra La (1947–1953), Phra Ae (1953–1955), Phra Suman (1955–1975), Phra Ti (1975–1981), Phra Somana (1981–1983), Phra Nantao (1983–1985), and Phra On Uthayo (1985–1993).

 

The temple continues to serve as a cultural and religious center for the local Shan community.