Description
Wat Wang Boon (วัดวังบุญ) is the sacred temple of the Ban Na Nok Khao village, which has a well-known candle procession every year at the start of Vassa (the Buddhist lent period). The entire village turns off their electricity, as the villagers led by a traditional drum procession carry large home-made candles to the temple.
There are a number of unique Buddhist art works the temple. The steps to the bell tower are flanked by a Naga serpents whose top portions are in human form, including a shirtless male and full breasted naked woman.
Wat Wang Boon also has a statue of Mae Pho Sop (แม่โพสพ), the Siamese rice goddess. She is also known as Mae Khwan Khao (แม่ขวัญข้าว), "Mother of Rice Prosperity". We know that its this Thai mythological figure because she is holding rice sheaths over her right shoulder and wearing a green throw over.
The money bag the statue has in her left hand is not something that Mae Pho Sop or Mae Khwan Khao always holds when depicted in a statue or painting, but it is connected with her powers, since abundant rice harvests mean greater wealth when it comes time to sell the rice on the market.
Wat Wang Boon is accessed via s small, dirt road, which is easy to miss. So, do keep a close lookout for it, if you choose to visit this rural temple, which is not far from Wat Don Sidaram (วัดดอนสีดาราม), whose entrance is guarded by striking Makara statues with elephant heads.
The temple is located about 20 minutes from Sakon Nakhon city.
