Description
Wat Chaeng Sawang (วัดแจ้งสว่าง) is the 100th temple we've visited in Sakon Nakhon, and appropriately we were welcomed on our entrance by a statue of the Phra Sangkachai, the "Fat Buddha" monk of abundance. In statues, his hands are often on his belly, but here they are turned upwards, a vase with flowers placed in his left. According to legend, Phra Sangkachai was so handsome that he chose to became fat, so as to reduce any unwanted advances from women. You will sometimes see his image in good luck amulets in Thailand.
Standing beside the statue of Phra Sangkachai is a statue of the Buddha with Umbrella and Walking Stick, which also seemed like an appropriate way to welcome our entrance, as we have been on a walking pilgrimage of Sakon Nakhon temples for many months.
Wat Chaeng Sawang's bell tower contains two lovely antique drums, one being the common barrel drum seen at many Thai temples, the other being a tall, cylindrical wooden drum with heart-shaped hole in the side — the sound of the drum being made by hitting the wooden side, rather than on a stretched canvas end, like is done on a barrel drum.
The Ubosot at Wat Chaeng Sawang is distinctive for the large spire that sits atop the center of the roof, which somewhat resembles a chedi. The Ubosot also has four gables, each one beautifully and ornately designed, providing an attractive contrast to the more simple design of the lower portion of the Ubosot (Ordination Hall).
Wat Chaeng Sawang is located off of Route 22, about 8 kilometers from the Sakon Nakhon Airport, when traveling in the direction of the Chaloem Phrakiat Lotus Park.
