Did you know Wat Upakhut stands as a testament to faith and history? This temple provides a serene escape from the city’s hustle. Wat Upakhut is not prominently featured in guidebooks. Yet its beauty and significance are undeniable.
Wat Upakhut sits on the corner of Chang Klan and Thapae roads. This intersection is also known as Upakhut intersection. The temple is dedicated to Phra Upakhut. He is a revered monk known as the protector against evil.
Let’s delve into the story of Phra Upakhut. Legend says the Buddha praised him for his magical powers. Before the Buddha’s Nirvana, he asked Phra Upakhut to protect Buddhism until the next Buddha’s arrival. Some stories say Phra Upakhut was from Patna in India. He lived during Emperor Ashoka’s reign. After Ashoka converted to Buddhism, he built stupas and temples. The devil threatened to interfere with this construction. Phra Upakhut intervened and earned his reputation as a protector. Theravada Buddhists believe this enlightened monk is still among us.
Inside Wat Upakhut, you’ll discover several Phra Upakhut images. The most important one resides in a small house in the temple’s heart. The temple also serves as a community hub.
Wat Upakhut has a unique history. It was once neighbors with another Wat Upakhut. This other temple was Burmese. A wealthy Burmese merchant supported it. Sadly, the Burmese Wat Upakhut was demolished in the 1950s. Today, the Buddha Sathan building stands on its former site. The Thai temple, Wat Upakhut, still remains.
According to a resident monk, Wat Upakhut was built about 130 years ago. Every year, the temple celebrates Peng Pud Day. On this day people gather to honor Phra Upakhut.
As you explore Wat Upakhut, notice the blend of styles. Some buildings appear unfinished with bare stone walls. The viharn’s stone base is simple. Stucco animals await decoration. The nagas guarding the door are plain white. Peacocks sport colored glass on their wings.
Inside the viharn, you will see a crowded space filled with offerings. Murals depict scenes from the Vessantara Jataka. The main altar holds many Buddha images. Gold decorations adorn the space.
The small viharn houses over a thousand Buddha medallions. Each metal medallion shows a gilt Buddha in a red robe. The chedi showcases Burmese style. It features a square base and a bell-shaped mid-section. Devata figures kneel in prayer around it.
Considered the temple’s uniqueness as you leave Wat Upakhut. It is possibly the only temple dedicated to Phra Upakhut in North Thailand. Take a moment to appreciate its beauty.