Description
Wat Sisaket (วัดศรีสะเกษ) is one of numerous downtown Sakon Nakhon temples. Sisaket is a Northeastern Thailand province, about 4.5 hours south of Sakon Nakhon. However, we are unaware if there is any connection between Sisaket province and this temple.
Wat Si Saket was established in 1850. It is notable for the striking white exterior of its Ubosot (ordination hall), and the rather ancient looking Sema stones that surround the building. There are not many temples in Sakon Nakhon with an all white exterior, the most gorgeous being Wat Na Pho (Sai Yoi), a new temple which is currently under construction and almost complete.
Outside the Ubosot at Wat Sisaket, you'll find a gold statue of the revered monk Luang Phor Somdej Toh (Somdet Phra Buddhacarya), one of the most famous Buddhist monks during the Rattanakosin period. While you often will see statues of Phra Somdej at Bangkok temples, it is unusual to see his statue at a Sakon Nakhon temple. Phra Somdej was believed to have magical powers, and was skilled at using Thai poetry to reflect the beauty of Buddhism.
You can identify Wat Si Saket (วัดศรีสะเกษ) from the outside by its beautiful red and gold brick wall, which is separated by a large, ornate entrance way. It is only a 7 minute walk (600 meters) from the downtown Wat Nuea temple, with its unusual Art Deco like entrance gate.
