Description
Wat Si Chomphu (วัดศรีชมพู) is a small Sakon Nakhon city temple, not far from the famous temple of Wat Phra That Choeng Chum. While not as grande as its temple neighbor, Wat Si Chomphu is a beautiful downtown temple with several religious attractions worth visiting. For example, you can view a statue of the Hindu God Indra (พระชินทร์), who is not often seen at Thai temples. Like Thor and Zeus, Indra is associated with the sky, lightning, thunder, storms, and war. The downward turned vase in his right hand symbolizes the outpouring of his blessings, and the trident in his left the power of creation, preservation, and destruction.
Wat Si Chomphu also features a large, stunning gold Buddha statue and a striking Ubosot (Ordination Hall) with beautiful bas-relief gold murals, depicting scenes from the life of the Buddha, including the famous scene where Phra Mae Thorani is protecting the Buddha with a flood wrung from her hair, washing away the demons who wanted to attack him during his enlightenment. There is also a small statue of Phra Rahu eating the sun, where locals often make merit, as it is said that he can help eliminate obstacles in life and prevent harm.
If you would like to grab a coffee or traditional Thai tea after your visit to Wat Si Chomphu, we would recommend either the specialty local drinks available at Blue Bica Coffee (including local coffee blends) or the traditional Thai coffeehouse experience at The Art Hopper bar, with its lovely musical background music of Thai folk songs.
