Wat Traiphum
- April 21, 2026
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The History of Wat Traiphum
Wat Traiphum is an important and ancient temple located in the heart of Phetchabun, within the central area of the old city walls from the Ayutthaya Kingdom period, which were constructed of brick in a square layout. Although no definitive written record of its foundation survives, historians estimate that the temple was established around 1557 CE (B.E. 2100), based on the architectural style of its prang-shaped chedi and archaeological objects discovered on the site. It was later granted royal boundary consecration (Wisungkhamasima) in 1579 CE (B.E. 2122).
Within the temple grounds stands a significant ancient monument: a twelve-cornered prang-style chedi, together with a newly restored ordination hall that houses “Luang Pho Yai,” a sacred stucco Buddha image created in the local artistic tradition. Wat Traiphum was officially registered as a national historic site in 1940 CE (B.E. 2483) and has served as an important center for royal ceremonies and major provincial religious rites for many centuries.
Interview with the Abbot
The Origin of Phra Phuttha Maha Thammaracha
The origin of Phra Phuttha Maha Thammaracha is deeply rooted in legend and history, reflecting the cultural links between the Khmer and Siamese kingdoms. It is believed to be a bronze seated Buddha image in the meditation posture, created in the Khmer Bayon artistic style during the reign of King Jayavarman VII, the renowned monarch who devoted himself to Mahayana Buddhism.
According to tradition, the king presented this sacred image, together with the Victory Sword, to Pho Khun Pha Mueang, ruler of Mueang Rat, on the occasion of his marriage to Singha Thewi. Later, during the burning of Mueang Rat and the struggle to regain independence, the people carried the Buddha image away on a raft along the Pa Sak River. However, because of the river’s strong currents and winding course, the raft broke apart, causing the image to sink beneath the waters, where it remained lost for centuries.
During the Ayutthaya Kingdom era, local fishermen reportedly witnessed a miraculous whirlpool at Wang Makham Faep and saw a dark golden Buddha image rising and submerging in the water. The sacred image was then recovered and enshrined at Wat Traiphum, where it remains highly revered today.
Characteristics of Phra Phuttha Maha Thammaracha
Phra Phuttha Maha Thammaracha, the revered guardian Buddha image of Phetchabun, is enshrined at Wat Traiphum in the city center. It is a bronze Buddha image in the meditation posture, created in Lopburi art style influenced by Khmer Bayon craftsmanship. The image measures approximately 13 inches across the lap and 18 inches in height, without a pedestal base.
The Buddha image has a broad face, parted lips, and elongated ears reaching the shoulders. The head is adorned with a royal crown, topped with a pointed chada-like finial. In its hand rests a medicinal jar or holy water vessel. The figure is also decorated with a necklace, armlets, and a waist ornament featuring intricate patterns, giving the image a powerful and sacred presence.
Historically, King Jayavarman VII, the Buddhist Khmer king, commissioned many Buddha images of similar form to be placed in Arogyasala (healing sanctuaries or hospitals) built along the royal road connecting Angkor Thom and Phimai.
Beyond being a symbolic protector of the city, the image also holds profound religious meaning. The presence of the medicinal or holy water jar identifies it as Bhaisajyaguru Vaiduryaprabha Tathagata, the Medicine Buddha in Mahayana belief. Devotees believe that worshipping the image, or drinking consecrated holy water blessed in its presence, brings protection from illness, good health, and safety from danger.
Sixteen-Sided Chedi of Wat Traiphum
The Sixteen-Sided Chedi of Wat Traiphum is an ancient prang-shaped chedi from the Ayutthaya Kingdom, located within Wat Traiphum. Constructed of brick and stucco, the monument measured approximately 7.5 x 7.5 meters at its base and around 6 meters in height before restoration works carried out in 2021 (B.E. 2564).
The architectural components of the chedi include three receding square base tiers, a lotus base with decorative moldings, the central shrine chamber, four arched niches on each side, and a prang-style spire rising above.
Following archaeological excavation and conservation of the base and surrounding area, the monument revealed important structural details. The lower lotus base was designed in a sixteen-sided plan, with each side measuring approximately 1.8 meters in length. Trapezoid-shaped recesses, about 1 meter wide and 0.80 meters deep, were found on every side of the sixteen-sided base.
Inside each recess were traces indicating that seated Buddha images had once been enshrined in niches; remains of five such images were identified. In addition, the sixteen-sided lotus base was found to have been constructed over an earlier staircase platform and a previous twelve-cornered lotus base, suggesting multiple phases of construction and renovation over time.
Um Phra Dam Nam Ceremony
The Um Phra Dam Nam Ceremony is a sacred and remarkable tradition regarded as the only ceremony of its kind in the world. It is held annually on the waning moon of the 15th day of the 10th lunar month, known as Thai Sart Festival.
The origin of the ceremony comes from an old miracle in which Phra Phuttha Maha Thammaracha mysteriously disappeared from the temple and was later found reappearing in the Pa Sak River on two separate occasions. Because of this, an agreement was made that the ruler of the city must ceremonially invite the sacred image to the river each year and perform the immersion ritual at the original discovery site, known as Wang Makham Faep.
Picture Credit : Dr. Wison Kositanont
Today, the Governor of Phetchabun serves as the representative of the people in conducting the rite. The sacred Buddha image is immersed in the river six times in total—three times facing north and three times facing south.
This ritual is performed to ask forgiveness from the Pa Sak River and to pray for peace and prosperity: timely rainfall, fertile harvests, freedom from disease, and harmony throughout the land.
The ceremony beautifully reflects the deep faith of the people of Phetchabun and their enduring bond between spiritual life and the river that sustains their community.
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