Wat Khangkhao

How did a temple get a name like “Bat Temple”? Right here in front of us is Wat Khangkhao. You might be surprised to know it once housed large colonies of bats. This gave the temple its unusual nickname. Wat Khangkhao is steeped in history. It sits on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, a silent witness to centuries of change. Its story dates back to the Ayutthaya era, to the reign of King Trailok in the 15th century. Imagine the temple in its heyday, bustling with monks and worshippers. Look closely at the ordination hall. You’ll see 16 red sandstone sema stones, marking the temple’s sacred boundary. These stones, weathered by time, are believed to be from the Ban Phu Luang dynasty period (1688-1767). Inside, you’ll find Luang Pho Kao. This revered stucco Buddha statue is famous for a peculiar characteristic: the fingers of its left hand appear to be only four, lending it the name “Luang Pho Kao” (Reverend Father Nine). This unique feature has made it an object of veneration for generations. Wat Khangkhao, though renovated, still retains its peaceful aura. Recognizing its historical significance, the Fine Arts Department declared it a national historic site in 1993.