Description
Wat Pa Phuthon Phithak (วัดป่าภูธรพิทักษ์) is walking distance from the ancient Khmer temple Phrathat Narai Cheng Weng, and very close to Sakon Nakhon Rajabhat University. It has a fairy-tale like design that makes it not only one of the most unique temples in Sakon Nakhon province, but all of Thailand.
Wat Pa Phuthon Phithak is one of three temples connected with the life of Ajarn Fan Ajaro (commonly spelled Ajahn Fun), a famous forest monk from Sakon Nakhon. The other two temples are the mountain temple Wat Tham Kham and Wat Pa Udom Somphon, where Ajarn Fan spent his final years as the abbot.
Beginning in 1945, Luang Pu Fan Ajaro (aka Ajahn Fun) began spending the Buddhist Lent period at Wat Pa Phuthon Phithak, which at that time was named Wat That Na Weng. During Buddhist Lent all monks take a vow to stay in a particular place or temple for three months, from the first Day of the Waning moon in the 8th Month to the 15th Day of the Waxing Moon in the 11th Month. This coincides with the rainy season in Thailand
During his Lent stays (over a period of 9 years), Ajarn Fan rebuilt the temple, including the monks quarters known as the "kudi". His rebuilding efforts reflected his deeply held philosophy that no matter where you live, whether it's in mountains, caves, jungles, or towns (even if it is only for a short time) you should do what you can to help those areas prosper, while keeping them clean and beautiful.
The clean, simplistic design of Wat Pa Phuthon Phithak is deeply beautiful in its minimalism and vibrant color, which is made even more striking when contrasted against the trees which surround the temple.
