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Wat Maha Puttharam is a major Buddhist temple in Sisaket, northern Thailand. The temple is well-known for its cultural and religious significance, and it acts as an important hub for local Buddhist practices and community activities. Its architectural beauty, cultural significance, and communal function make it a must-see location for everyone interested in learning about Thailand's spiritual and cultural traditions.
Let’s explore Wat Maha Puttharam with Asia King Travel!
Wat Maha Puttharam has a rich history dating back to the introduction of Theravada Buddhism in the 13th century. Initially a humble center of worship founded by local people and monks, it gained in importance, prompting the construction of elaborate structures and a stupa for precious relics.
History of Wat Maha Puttharam
The temple has long been a hub for Buddhist instruction and key events. In recent decades, there has been further building to accommodate more worshipers and visitors, which has been funded by contributions from the local community. Today, Wat Maha Puttharam is an important element of the community, safeguarding its religious and cultural legacy.
Wat Maha Puttharam is one of the most sacred temples in Sisaket, and it houses Luang Por Toh, a large gold Buddha image in the attitude of subduing Mara – the demon who tempted Gautama Buddha beneath the Bodhi tree as he sought enlightenment.
The statue is 3.50 meters broad and about 7 meters high. It holds a tiny figure that resembles a doll from The statue is 3.50 meters broad and about 7 meters high. It contains a tiny, doll-like statue that dates back more than a millennium and was fashioned out of stone by the Khmer people.
Architecture of Wat Maha Puttharam
According to legend, during the founding of Sisaket city, this stone statue was found in a forest that was being cleared. When an elder tried to embrace it, it seemed to miraculously grow big. Subsequently, around this stone carving which signified its miraculous ability to enlarge itself, a large Buddha statue of Luang Por Toh was built inside the Viharn of Wat Maha Puttharam. For this reason, local Buddhists refer to this temple as Wat Phra Toh because of this famous statue which they make pilgrimages to throughout the year.
Architecture of Wat Maha Puttharam
Wat Maha Puttharam's temple grounds are defended by two impressive statues of Yaksha giants, whose beauty surpasses that of more well-known Thai temples. The exquisite Viharn that houses Luang Por To has gorgeous murals on its top interior walls that show incidents from the life of the Buddha, and on its gable there is a picture of a Garuda carrying a Buddha.
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To provide an estimate of the travel costs to Wat Maha Puttaram in Sisaket province, several factors need to be considered, including transportation, accommodation, and daily expenses.
Transportation
Accommodation (per night): From low budget to luxury one – from as little as 300 to 3000 baht.
Meals: Street food – thirty to one hundred baht per meal; restaurants – 150 to 300 baht per meal and visit the truly stunning Wat Tai Phrachao Yai Ong Tue which one could explore for hours.
When visiting Wat Maha Puttharam in the province of Sisaket, the cool, dry season (November to February) is ideal. The weather is most agreeable during this time of year, with temperatures between 20°C and 30°C and little to no rainfall, which makes it perfect for outdoor activities and tourism.
Best time to visit Wat Maha Puttharam
Aside from offering distinct cultural experiences, significant Buddhist festivals like Visakha Bucha and Magha Puja also feature particular ceremonies held inside the temple. Go during the weekdays and early in the morning to escape the heat and crowds for a more tranquil visit.
It would take roughly 4.5 hours to go to Sisaket City from Sakon Nakhon, making it unsuitable for a day excursion. However, Sakon Nakhon would be a wonderful weekend getaway destination if you were planning to stay longer.
The big temple and Isaan museum, Phrathat Ruang Rong, is only a ten-minute drive away from Wat Maha Puttharam. Another option is to take a one-hour journey to the nearby province of Ubon Ratchathani, where you can spend hours exploring the incredibly beautiful Wat Tai Phrachao Yai Ong Tue.
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