Description
Wat Si Panyaram (วัดศรีปัญญาราม) is a jewel of a village temple, located off highway 2335 in Tambon Nong Lat, only a few hundred meters from Si Sawang Bun Wara Ram Priest's Camp Site. We can divide Sakon Nakhon village temples into two categories: the temples which only attract and serve local villagers, and the temples which are developing to become regional tourist attractions within Sakon Nakhon but will remain relatively unknown outside the province.
Wat Si Panyaram seems to be aiming toward the latter, with old and new construction already making it more impressive than the typical small village temple. New construction (not yet completed) includes a large red-roofed Viharn with fierce Naga serpents guarding the steps, and an artistically designed, small pavilion to house an important, new statue of the Buddha. A free flowing Buddhist painting adorns the outside of the pavilion, and an almost psychedelic painting appears on the interior wall behind the sculpture of the Buddha.
Wat Si Panyaram has a great variety of sacred statues, both large and small. One of the most interesting presentations is in a small pavilion on the temple's pond, which includes 6 golden hermit heads wearing sacred crowns. The hermit monk is a popular figure at Sakon Nakhon temples, with the priest's campsite Samnak Song Pu Ruesi Don Pu Ta (สำนักสงฆ์ปู่ฤาษีดอนปู่ตา) displaying one of the largest collection of hermit monk statues in all of Northeastern Thailand. However, this is the first time we have seen such a collection of gold hermit heads.
Wat Si Panyaram's temple grounds also displays a prominent statue of the Buddha topped by a beautiful gold parasol, and a striking sculpture of the Buddha protected by the 7 headed Naga serpent during his enlightenment. Visitors have to climb up a series of steps to reach this Buddha/Naga statue, which is known as Luang Por Nak (ลวงพ่อนาค). A sign in front of the figure shows a sacred chant which worshipers can recite to seek his blessing.
To view our full photo gallery of this beautiful Thai village temple, please go to Wat Si Panyaram Photo Gallery.
