Description
Wat Siri Rat Watthana (วัดศิริราษฎร์วัฒนา) is one of the most important Buddhist temples in Amphur Charoen Sin, Sakon Nakhon. Known by many locals as "Wat Gao" (วัดเก่า), the temple traces its origins back to the time when Charoen Sin was just a small village and not yet a district (amphur).
In more recent years, the temple has slowly been developed, and is much more of destination for the traveling Buddhist faithful in Sakon Nakhon. It is perhaps the only temple in the province that has a large statue of Phra Sivali (พระสิวลี), an enlightened "arhat" in Theravada Buddhism, who is celebrated in Thailand as a symbol of good fortune, wealth, and protection, especially for travelers.
Thai Buddhists honor Phra Sivali through offerings, amulets, chants, and acts of generosity, believing these practices invite his blessings of luck and safety into their lives. While he is commonly found on amulets, he is less often seen as a large statue at a Thai temple —perhaps the most famous one being at Wat Maisupradittharam in Nakon Pathom.
At Wat Siri Rat Watthana, Phra Sivali is depicted in his usual pose of "the traveling Buddha," walking while holding an umbrella in one hand and a walking stick in the other. The temple also has a beautiful statue of Phra Upakut (พระอุปคุต), another famous historical monk, who is seen a bit more frequently at temples, especially in Northern Thailand.
Phra Upakut is believed to protect against danger, bring peace, and grant prosperity while meditating in an underwater palace. Known for subduing Mara and tied to water through local legends, he’s especially popular among fishermen and travelers. Some devoted Thais worship him with offerings, amulets, chants, and midnight alms on full-moon Wednesdays, seeing him as a living guardian of Buddhist teachings and everyday life.
Wat Siri Rat Watthana also has a striking statue of a "starving Buddha," depicting his wasted body after his miraculous 6 year fast; a large Naga sculpture above a pool leading to the underworld, and a statue of the temple's famous former abbot Luang Phor Kamhaeng Chitmaro (หลวงพ่อคำแหง ชิตมาโร), also known as Phra Khru Sirithamkoson (พระครูสิริธรรมโกศล), placed beneath an old scared fig (Bo) tree.
Wat Siri Rat Watthana is located about 90 minutes from downtown Sakon Nakhon city, and 15 minutes from Phanna Buri (City of Imagination).
