Description
Wat Phraphut Saiyaram (วัดพระพุทธไสยาราม) is a beautiful temple located 17km from downtown Sakon Nakhon on Route 22 going toward Nakhon Phanom. The Buddhist temple is well known for its 100+ year old Reclining Buddha which local villagers pay respect to and is thought to grant prosperity and good health.
Inside the temple grounds is a nice example of an old "Sim Isaan" (สิมอีสาน), meaning Northeast Buddhist Temple. It has a beautiful stucco design, with murals of imagery from the Jakata Tales, which tell of previous births of Gautama Buddha in both human and animal form.
In recent years, a gorgeously designed temple was built on the grounds with a tall spire. There is also a sacred crematorium on the grounds (identified by its large chimney) which is in active use. You'll notice that surrounding the temple grounds is a concrete wall with Dhamma wheels and open and sealed square areas below them. This where the ashes of monks and prominent individuals with a close association to the temple are stored.
