Wat Nong Si Sanguan

Wat Nong Si Sanguan is an ancient temple located at house number 42, Ban Klang, Ton Damrongtham-Srisanguan Road, Moo 4, Samnak Bok Subdistrict, Mueang Chonburi District, Chonburi Province. The temple belongs to the Mahanikaya sect. The temple grounds cover an area of 27 rai, 1 ngan, and 70 square wah, with an additional 4 plots of temple land totaling 84 rai, 2 ngan, and 9 square wah. These lands are legally documented under title deeds numbered 6462, 4696, 6408, and 6459. The temple’s spacious grounds are well-organized to accommodate religious and community activities.

 

Significant structures within the temple include a large ordination hall (ubosot) measuring 40 meters in width and 80 meters in length, constructed in 1977 using reinforced concrete. It serves as the main site for important religious ceremonies for both the temple and the surrounding community. There is also a sermon hall measuring 15 by 30 meters, built in 1994, also made of reinforced concrete, used for hosting religious events and merit-making activities. Additionally, there are seven monk residences: one wooden building and six concrete buildings. A funeral hall, built entirely of reinforced concrete, provides space for funeral rites and other religious events. Inside the ubosot, there is a principal Buddha image that the local community deeply reveres, serving as a spiritual center for the villagers.

 

Wat Nong Si Sanguan has a long and rich history. It was first established in 1881 and received royal consecration for its boundary (Wisungkhamsima) on August 25, 1959, with boundaries measuring 40 by 80 meters. This recognition marks the temple’s importance and stability within the community. Over the years, temple governance and administration have been passed down through generations of dedicated abbots. The first abbot was Phra Wan, followed by Phra Phrom, Phra Mook, Phra Lam, Phra Paen, Phra Boon, another Phra Boon, Phra Fueang, and Phra Suk. Later, Phra Khru Ophas Thammanuwat served between 1952–1982, succeeded by the current abbot, Phra Khru Piyathammanurak, who has been in the position since 1981. This succession reflects the temple’s continuous development and preservation throughout its history.

 

Beyond its religious significance, the temple has also been a hub of education and learning for the community. In 1951, the temple established a Dhamma school (Pariyatti Dhamma School) to promote Buddhist teachings and moral education for youth and anyone interested in Buddhist studies. Later, in 1982, the temple opened a preschool training center to care for and nurture young children in the community, focusing on their physical, mental, and intellectual development.

 

Today, Wat Nong Si Sanguan remains a vital center for religious and cultural activities in Samnak Bok Subdistrict and nearby areas. It regularly hosts important Buddhist festivals such as Visakha Bucha Day, Magha Bucha Day, and Asalha Bucha Day, as well as traditional merit-making events like Kathina and Pha Pa ceremonies. These events allow the community to gather, perform merit-making rituals, and strengthen their spiritual bonds. The temple also serves as a gathering place during national and cultural festivals, reflecting the close relationship between the temple and the local people.

 

Wat Nong Si Sanguan is not only a place of worship but also a valuable cultural and historical site. It plays a significant role in preserving local traditions, promoting unity, and providing a peaceful sanctuary for spiritual reflection. Its beautiful architecture, spacious grounds, and rich history make it a landmark of faith and community spirit in Chonburi Province. Even as the province continues to develop, the temple remains a cherished space where people come to make merit, pay respects, and find inner peace, ensuring its enduring importance to both religion and the local way of life.