Description
Wat Pracha Suksan Wararam (วัดประชาสุขสันติ์วราราม) is one of three temples that surround the Huai Nam Bo reservoir, the other two being Khao Dan-Tham Suea Bureau of Monks and Ham Bing Pracha Suk San Priest's Camp Site — the latter two being Buddhist monasteries and not officially temples. All three are only about 30 minutes from downtown Sakon Nakhon.
Wat Pracha Suksan Wararam is an attractive village temple with well-kept grounds. One interesting scene is 3 different statues of Buddha, where the one on the left appears to be a replica of the famous Emerald Buddha that is housed at Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok. This replica however seems to resemble more the replica emerald Buddha found at Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham in Luang Prabang, Laos (the original home of the Emerald Buddha).
The main Buddha image on the temple grounds is down a tile walkway with a very long Naga serpent. Another colorful Naga serpent with coiled body can be found at the ornate entrance to the temple. Lastly, there are several rather curious murals, somewhat roughly painted, which seem to evoke images of hell (or perhaps the hell of the flesh) in contrast to the serenity of the Buddha who has escaped the desires of the flesh. There is a lot going on in these murals, which will take some thought to interpret should you decide to visit!
