About Wat Phanat Nikhom ( Wat Bang Niang)
Wat Phanat Nikhom is a spacious modern temple complex in Bang Niang with a mix of Thai, Chinese and Myanmar Buddhist religious culture.
Location
The road to Wat Phanat Nikhom is located in front of the Khao Lak Boxing Stadium. It is a 5-minute drive if you are coming from La on (Khao Lak Center). Pass by the Bang Niang traffic lights, don’t turn at the U-turn, drive past a bit and turn right at the junction into the road next to the 7/11 store.
About Wat Phanat Nikhom
Wat Phanat Nikhom was built decades ago. However, the historic milestone was made when the donors entrusted a Buddhist monk from Myanmar named Pyin Nyar Thar Ya to feature Burmese traditions such as the ABaYaLarBaMuNi Buddha image and Bawdipin Gyoshikhwin, which includes 8 planetary praying counters. The Buddha image, standing at 5 feet 9 inches tall and made of marble, was carried from Myanmar and Ubosot’s foundation bricks were laid in 2010, marking the beginning of this sacred temple.
Architecture feature
Wat Phanat Nikhom covers a huge land area. It is very well-maintained with parking and seating areas under the big shady trees.
Ubosot
Since Wat Phanat Nikhom was built relatively later than other temples, you will see modern architectural style and facilities. The most prominent is Wat Phanat Nikhom‘s Ubosot, distinguished by its three-tiered roof adorned with white and gold, symbolising majesty and glory. The white-coloured wall with gold floral sculptures and bird-like roof finials called Chofah looks stunningly beautiful under the sun.
The stairs to the Ubosot are guarded by a dragon and a giant (Yak) from each side. The walls of Ubosot are painted white with wall carvings and gold floral window panes. The windows and doors are made of wood and the carvings on them are out of the world.
The inside of the Ubosot is still unfinished. When under construction, the gates are closed. If you are fortunate, you can enter and look around. Inside, there is the mentioned ABaYaLarBaMuNi, a golden seated Buddha image, fresco and wall carvings showing the Buddha’s journey to enlightenment.
In front of the Ubosot is Bawdipin Gyoshikhwin which means the eight planetary praying counters. These are the seven days of the week with two counters for Wednesday. Find your birth date counter and make a wish or say your prayer. After the praying counters lie the monk’s quarter and residence of the former abbot. It is a ritual to have a bonfire constantly in front of the former abbot’s statue.
The temple complex is mainly influenced by the Myanmar Buddhist temple style as you can see many different Buddha statues around the complex. Under the big banyan tree is another praying counter with four golden seated Buddha statues with impressive paintings. In the complex, there are two community halls for religious activities, the new one is just after the entrance and the old one is beside the Ubosot.
Religious significance
At the entrance, you will also see the Chinese temple and a Guanyin Statue riding the cloud with the dragon guardians facing toward the Ubosot. If you want to explore more about Buddhism and culture, you can talk and ask the resident monks and the abbot there. They are happy to tell you about Buddhism and even teach you how to meditate if you are a beginner 101.
Festive time to visit Wat Phanat Nikhom
Same as other Buddhist temples, if you want to witness cultural and ritual activities and get a better insight into Buddhism, visit during the Kathin ceremony and the renowned Loy Krathong festival in November or Songkran in April.
Final words
Wat Phanat Nikhom is a beautiful temple, well taken care of by the local religious communities. Immerse yourself in the presence of this majestic temple, nestled under the shade of banyan trees while embracing a different realm of culture.
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