Wat Tha Thanon

Wat Tha Thanon, Uttaradit, is an important temple located on the banks of the Nan River along Kasemrat Road in Tha It Subdistrict, Mueang Uttaradit District, Uttaradit Province. This temple holds deep spiritual significance for the local people, who revere it as a sacred site, particularly for the veneration of “Luang Pho Phet,” an ancient bronze Buddha image regarded as the guardian of the city. Enshrined in the temple's main ordination hall, Luang Pho Phet is a revered symbol of faith with a long and powerful history.

 

Originally, the temple was known as “Wat Wang Tao Mo,” a name believed to have derived from the area's past as a center for pottery production, particularly earthenware pots and clay utensils. Later, as a major road was built through the area and it became an important hub for land and river transportation, the temple’s name was changed to “Wat Tha Thanon” to reflect its new role in the community. The name embodies the temple’s identity as a crucial junction for both riverine and land-based trade and travel in Uttaradit.

 

Inside Wat Tha Thanon stands a grand ordination hall housing the exquisite bronze Buddha image from the early Chiang Saen period known as “Luang Pho Phet.” This Buddha image, in the subduing Mara posture (Maravijaya), is seated in a diamond lotus position with a lap width of approximately 29 inches. Crafted in the early Chiang Saen artistic style, Luang Pho Phet is notable for its serene and compassionate facial expression, exuding an aura of gentle grace and sacred charm.

 

According to legend, Luang Pho Duang, a former abbot of Wat Mon Mai, was the person who enshrined Luang Pho Phet at Wat Tha Thanon in 1893 (B.E. 2436). It is said that while returning from a religious ceremony at Wat Sawang Arom, Luang Pho Duang discovered the Buddha image floating in the Nan River in front of the temple. With great reverence, he had the image retrieved and installed at Wat Wang Tao Mo, which later became known as Wat Tha Thanon. Luang Pho Phet has since been regarded as a sacred protector, safeguarding the people of Uttaradit through the ages.

 

Beyond Luang Pho Phet, the temple is home to several significant architectural structures, including a traditional Thai wooden bell tower, which has been carefully preserved, and an ancient stupa believed to date back to the late Ayutthaya period. Additionally, there is a large sacred Bodhi tree, a symbol of faith where locals often come to pay respects and apply gold leaf as a form of merit-making.

 

Wat Tha Thanon also serves as a central venue for religious and cultural events in Uttaradit. Notable among these is the traditional “Luang Pho Phet Water Procession” during the Songkran Festival, where locals gather to ceremoniously escort the Buddha image on a boat procession along the river, allowing the public to pour water over the image as an act of devotion and blessing. This event beautifully reflects the deep bond and spiritual connection between the temple and the community.

 

Therefore, Wat Tha Thanon is not merely a religious site but represents the very spirit of Uttaradit's people. It is a living repository of art, culture, tradition, and community life that has been preserved and passed down through generations. Visitors to Uttaradit should not miss the opportunity to visit Wat Tha Thanon, pay homage to Luang Pho Phet, and experience the serene atmosphere of faith along the tranquil banks of the Nan River.

 

Wat Tha Thanon is conveniently located just a short distance from Uttaradit city center, easily accessible by car or public transportation. From the main road, a brief detour along Kasemrat Road will lead visitors directly to this majestic riverside temple, where they can admire its beauty and observe the traditional way of life of the local riverside community up close.