Description
Wat Amalakaram (วัดอัมลการาม) is one of those rare village temples in Sakon Nakhon that attracts visitors from throughout the province. The reason is that Wat Amalakaram is considered a Thai good luck temple. It became famous for good fortune on the construction of Thao Wessuwan Thanjai (ท้าวเวสสุวรรณทันใจ), the largest statue of Thao Wessuwan in Thailand.
The Thao Wessuwan statue was built in just 99 days, and measures over 11 meters high from the base. The statue has allegedly granted good fortune to villagers by helping them eliminate debt and alleviate money problems, especially by miraculously helping to sell land or products, or by inspiring good luck in business endeavors.
In Thailand's Buddhist and Hindu traditions, Thao Wessuwan is Lord of the Giants (known as Yaksha). He is a god of wealth and prosperity, and one of the 4 Kings (of the North, South, East & West) who protect and care for the human world. His region is the North, and one of his great responsibilities is to protect Buddhism and those engaged in meditation.
Wat Amalakaram is located only about 15 minutes from downtown Sakon Nakhon. It is not far from Nakai Cafe and another village temple of interest Wat Thung Ruang Thong. In addition to the large statue of Thao Wessuwan Thanjai, there is a gorgeous pavilion of gold Buddha statues with incredibly lifelike sculptures of Thai monks. There is also a large Naga attraction that is currently under construction.
