Description
Wat Thep Sawat (วัดเทพสวัสดิ์) is a highly revered temple in the Phanna Nikhom sub-district of Sakon Nakhon. Its importance was demonstrated recently when it was chosen as the gathering place for area officials, teachers, and executives to honor The Queen Mother, Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, on her 90th birthday (Aug. 2022).
Wat Thep Sawat is noted for its beautiful, old Ubosot, where monks are ordained, and its large teak pavilion which allows for large gatherings where the blessings and wisdom of the monks are sought. Inside the wood pavilion is a rare statue of Mae Takhian (แม่ตะเคียน), the female spirit which is said to inhabit the Takhian tree, a huge tree found deep within the forests of Thailand, and which can live for centuries.
Mae Takhian (Mother Thakian) also is commonly referred to as Nang Takhian (Lady of the Takhian). When she is referred to as Nang Takhian, she usually is depicted as a beautiful young lady, with long, flowing hair and a red dress. However, when she is referred to as Mae Takhian (as she is at Wat Thep Sawat) she is depicted more middle-aged and wearing a gold or yellow dress.
The Mae Takhian shrine at Wat Thep Sawat includes her stature placed in front of a large piece of ancient wood from a Takhian tree. Takhian trees are never cut down to use for lumber in Thailand, except by monks for the building of special pagodas at temples (and even that rarely occurs). Thus it is doubtful that any Takhian wood was used in the building of the Viharn pavilion at Wat Thep Sawat.
Legend has it that both Mae and Nang Takhian may hurt wicked or immoral people that come close to her tree abode, but good-hearted people have nothing to fear from her. Only monks are said to have sufficient merit and holiness to be able to cut a Takhian tree down without causing her wrath. Both she and the Takhian tree are believed to have the power to bestow miracles and protection. Thus any temple with a structure that was built partly with logs from a Takhian tree is highly revered.
Wat Thep Sawat has a large number of interesting Buddhist and Hindu statues on the temple grounds. In addition, a large, old Chedi is currently being renovated that should prove to be quite impressive when finished. The temple is located about 45 minutes from the Sakon Nakhon City Gate and only 1.5 kilometers from Wat Pa Don Pradu Mongkhon Thip, a beautiful temple which is definitely worth a visit.
