Description
Wat Ban Nong San (วัดบ้านหนองส่าน) is a curious, little temple in the Phu Phan District of Sakon Nakhon. It has a unique Buddha statue that looks almost French in its facial features, cape-like monk's robe, and beret. The beret, however, is not actually a beret, but a lotus cap. The statue is of the famous Indian monk Phra Upakut (พระอุปคุต), who is more commonly seen in the North of Thailand than in Isaan.
Another unique statue at Wat Ban Nong San is a Buddha with Naga headed walking stick, standing upon Erawan, the 3 headed elephant that carries the God Indra in Hindu legends. There is also Buddha statue which looks rather Indian in its adornments, and a small sacred tower, which is fitted with solar panels and spot light.
The grounds of the temple are beautiful, and well kept, with a small, but attractive Ubosot and a gorgeous Dharma wheel sculpture nearby. Wat Ban Nong San is 45 minutes from Sakon Nakhon city, and only about 6 kilometers from Wat Tham Chang, which arguably has the largest collection of Buddhist and Hindu statues in Sakon Nakhon province.
