Description
Wat Nong Sim (วัดหนองสิม) is a growing temple complex, which began construction in 1999 on the grounds where once stood an ancient Khmer temple, over 1000 years ago. The temple's development is thanks to the work of Phra Ajarn Somsak Thitsakko (พระอาจารย์สมศักดิ์ ฐิตสกฺโข), who has overseen the construction of the new temple buildings, along with his disciples.
Wat Nong Sim is located in the That Choeng Chum sub-district of Sakon Nakhon, only about a kilometer away from Nong Han lake and Don Kham Park (which appears currently abandoned), and a couple kilometers south of the lakeside monastery Nong Han Luang Priest's Camp Site. On the temple grounds, you'll find a unique 5-tower Chedi, which holds sacred relics, an equally unique crematorium, a beautiful red brick Ubosot with ancient sema stones, a monk's cloister, and a striking white. gold, and red Viharn, where worshipers regularly make merit.
Wat Nong Sim also has a large Reclining Buddha statue in front of the Viharn, and a gorgeous gold Buddha statue with a Dharma wheel backdrop. In front of the 5-tower Chedi, you'll see a statue of Phaya Suwanpingkan (พญาสุวรรณภิงคาร), who came to Phra Ajarn Somsak Thitsakko in a dream. In the dream he stated that he was the founder of old Sakon Nakhon city (then called Nong Han Luang) and the builder of the temple that once stood on the site. Thus the statue was built to honor him.