Description
Wat Na Pho Sai Yoi (วัดนาโพธิ์ ไทรย้อย) is a stunning, new Sakon Nakhon temple, located in the Kusuman District, about 30 minutes from the Sakon Nakhon Airport. Pay close attention when you are turning off Route 22 onto the rural road that takes you to the temple. It is a very small road that turns into a dirt road, and it is easy to think that you have started to go the wrong direction. But just keep following the little road and you'll arrive at this beautiful temple.
What makes Wat Na Pho Sai Yoi so stunning is that it is a white temple covered in stucco art depicting Hindu, Buddhist, and Thai mythological scenes, complemented by additional white sculptures on a cement platform that has been designed to look like rocks.
One figure that you'll see in different forms is Singha the Lion (which was adopted as the logo of the famous Thai beer with the same name). Singha is one of Buddha's protectors and a symbol of symbol of power, strength, courage, and loyalty. In addition to be being seen outside of Thai temples, you will also see Singha the Lion guarding the steps of Chinese Imperial palaces, and tombs.
You will also see a striking sculpture of the Garuda, a powerful half-man half-bird creature which is national emblem of Thailand. According to Hindu mythology, the Garuda is flown by the god Vishnu. The ancient kings of Thailand adopted the Garuda as a symbol of their divine power and authority.
There are of course many more sculptures and scenes to enjoy at Wat Na Pho Sai Yoi (วัดนาโพธิ์ ไทรย้อย), which you can go and discover for yourself! While you are in this area, you might also like to drop by Samnak Song Phut Barami (3 minutes away) and Wat Pa Thepharam (5 minutes away).
