Wat Khao Khanthamat

Wat Khao Khanthamat is located in Moo 1, Sattahip Subdistrict, Sattahip District, Chonburi Province. It is a temple under the Maha Nikaya sect, with a total land area of 6 rai, 2 ngan, and 18 square wah. The temple’s boundaries are clearly defined, with Mr. Nil Kaewwisai’s land to the north, a public road to the south, Mrs. Luan Ruktham’s land to the east, and another public road to the west. Nestled within a peaceful community, the temple’s location makes it ideal for meditation, religious practices, and spiritual gatherings.

 

The temple grounds are well developed to support various religious and community activities. The ordination hall, or ubosot, measures 8 meters wide and 21 meters long. Constructed in 1970 as a reinforced concrete building, it serves as the central place for significant Buddhist ceremonies. The sermon hall, or sala kanprian, is a two-story reinforced concrete structure built in 1980, measuring 16 meters wide and 33 meters long. It functions as a space for Dhamma studies, religious events, and community meetings. The temple also includes seven monks’ residences, with six half-wood, half-concrete buildings and one fully concrete structure. Additionally, there is a reinforced concrete merit-making pavilion used for funerals and other important religious rites.

 

A significant sacred object at Wat Khao Khanthamat is the replica of Phra Phuttha Sothon, also known as Luang Pho Sothon. This revered Buddha image, with a lap width of 60 inches, was created in 1960 and has since been a center of faith for both local residents and visitors. People come to pay homage and seek blessings for prosperity, health, and peace.

 

The temple was officially established on June 22, 1965. The land was originally donated by Mr. Thongyoo Onpanich in 1956. At first, the intended name for the temple was “Wat Khao Noi” or “Temple of the Small Mountain.” However, the provincial ecclesiastical governor at that time, Phra Thammakosacharn, recommended the name “Wat Khao Khanthamat.” This name was later officially approved and has been used ever since.

 

On February 3, 1978, Wat Khao Khanthamat was granted Wisungkhamsima, a consecrated boundary necessary for performing sacred Buddhist rituals. The designated area measures 30 meters wide and 40 meters long, ensuring proper space for conducting important ceremonies in accordance with Buddhist monastic rules.

 

The temple has been under the care of several abbots throughout its history. The first abbot was Phra Chin, who served from 1958 to 1962. He was succeeded by Phra Jinda, who served from 1963 to 1969. After him, Phra Phon Chitthammo held the position from 1970 to 1973, followed by Phra Thongsuk Khemajitto, who served from 1974 to 1975. The current abbot, Phra Kru Silasaratikun, also known as Cha-om Atutsaro, has been leading the temple since 1976. Under his guidance, the temple has flourished, with developments that strengthen both its religious mission and its role within the local community.

 

In addition to being a place of worship, Wat Khao Khanthamat has contributed greatly to education and spiritual learning. A Buddhist Dhamma school was opened at the temple in 1978 to provide a foundation for young people and community members to study Buddhist teachings. This initiative has helped instill moral and ethical values in the younger generation while preserving and spreading the principles of Buddhism.

 

Today, Wat Khao Khanthamat continues to serve as a spiritual center for the people of Sattahip and nearby areas. It is a place where the community gathers not only for religious ceremonies but also for cultural events, meditation retreats, and annual merit-making festivals. The temple plays a vital role in preserving local traditions and cultural heritage, passing them down through generations. It has also become a destination for faith-based tourism, attracting visitors who wish to experience its peaceful atmosphere and pay respect to the sacred Buddha image.

 

With its long and meaningful history, Wat Khao Khanthamat remains a significant landmark in Sattahip District, Chonburi Province. It continues to stand as a spiritual anchor for the community and as an important center for learning, faith, and cultural preservation, bridging the past with the present while nurturing Buddhist values for future generations.