Description
Phra Chedi Wihan Pariniphan (พระเจดีย์วิหารปรินิพพาน) is the last of 5 beautiful Thai pagodas honoring the life and teachings of the Buddha. All five are in close proximity (walking distance) of each other, and only 2 kilometers away from Wat Tham Apai Damrongtham (Wat Tham Phuang) on Phu Pha Lek mountain in the Song Dao district of Sakon Nakhon.
The other 4 pagodas are: Phra Chedi Siri Maha Maya (พระเจดีย์สิริมหามายา), which honors the birthplace of the Buddha; Phra Chedi Si Maha Pho (พระเจดีย์ศรีมหาโพธิ์), which honors the Buddha's enlightenment under the Bhodi tree; Rattanatraya Maha Chedi (รัตนตรัยะมหาเจดีย์), which houses the world's largest stone slab collection of Dharma teachings in Thai; and Phra Chedi Sadaeng Pathom Thesana (พระเจดีย์แสดงปฐมเทศนา), which honors the first sermon of the Buddha after attaining enlightenment.
Phra Chedi Wihan Pariniphan (พระเจดีย์วิหารปรินิพพาน), which was completed in 2013 at a cost of 6,404,057 baht, is the pagoda that honors the physical death of the Buddha and his attainment of Nirvana — the Thai word "Pariniphan" (ปรินิพพาน) meaning Nirvana. This pagoda (which also can be referred to as a chedi or stupa) is a replica of a famous one in India, as are the other 3 nearby chedis that correspond with events in the Buddha's life.
Phra Chedi Wihan Pariniphan is a smaller sized replica of the Parinirvana Stupa in Kushinagar, India, which was built in 1956 and is said to be the place of death of Gautama Buddha. The stupa structure is white and orange with a dome that represents the cosmic universe and eternal nature of Buddha's enlightenment. There is also a sacred chamber with classic archways beside the dome which contains relics.
While the interior area to the dome and chamber were locked when we visited, it is near certain that one of them (or both) contain a gold statue of a Reclining Buddha, symbolizing his death bed posture as he passes into Nirvana. When in this final posture, the Buddha is depicted as lying on his right side, resting on a raised elbow or a cushion. His head is supported by his right hand, with the fingers gently cupping the cheek. His face exhibits a serene and peaceful expression, with eyes that are closed or slightly open, conveying a sense of tranquility and detachment.
Of the 5 mountaintop pagodas, Phra Chedi Wihan Pariniphan has the best views of Sakon Nakhon province. For additional beautiful views, be sure to visit the nearby Pha Dong Ko viewpoint and Phu Pha Lek National Park, which also is one of the best bird watching spots in Thailand. It will take you about 1 hour and 45 minutes to get here from Sakon Nakhon city or 1.5 hours from downtown Udon Thani.
