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Wat Pa Chai Rangsi

History and origins

Wat Pa Chai Rangsi is situated at number 130, Village No. 4, Ban Ko Subdistrict, Mueang District, Mutt Sakhon Province. Permission to establish the temple was granted on March 24, 1983, announced by the Ministry of Education. The formal establishment as a Buddhist temple occurred on January 30, 1987, and it was granted the Royal Wisungkhamsima, measuring 40 meters wide and 80 meters long, on July 17, 1987.

To reach Wat Pa Chai Rangsi from Mahachai, travel along the economic road (Highway No. 3091) for approximately 5 kilometers. Then, turn left at kilometer marker 16 (opposite the electricity substation), travel for about 2.5 kilometers, and turn right for about 500 meters. This route will lead you to Wat Pa Chai Rangsi.

The temple boasts a distinctive architectural style reminiscent of stone castles in the Northeast, incorporating Khmer architectural elements for decoration. Notably, a large Naga statue surrounds the temple, and the entrance features the Burapha Siam Rangsi Temple with a captivating depiction of a five-headed and seven-headed Naga.

The temple building comprises two floors, with the ground floor walls constructed from stone and the upper floors crafted from high-quality hardwood. The roof design is unique, differing from the Chor Fa commonly seen in other temples. Inside the temple hall, a significant log serves as the base for the main Buddha image, utilized during monks' ceremonies.

Overall, Wat Pa Chai Rangsi stands as a testament to a rich architectural heritage, blending regional influences into its unique identity.
 

In 1981, Phrarajawutthajarn (Dulya Atulo) of Burapharam Temple, Surin Province, received a generous donation of 25 rai of land from Miss Bunsri Bunserm, who held deep faith in Luang Pu. This donation occurred during a merit-making event on Luang Pu's birthday at Burapharam Temple. The land was later dedicated for the establishment of a meditation practice temple, with Phra Thepsitthiyanrangsi (Phra Acharn Chan Khwesko) appointed as the overseer. The temple was built based on the teachings of Phra Ajahn Man Phurithat To, emphasizing meditation training.

Luang Pu Dul believed that in building a temple, it should serve the community and place equal importance on both sides—effective religious practice and providing the initial capital for the temple's construction, entrusted to Phra Achan Chan Kwesko.

In 1982, on April 25, the day of the royal celebration ceremony commemorating 200 years of Phra Phutthaphotjanawaraphon (Somdej Phra Phutthapapotchanabodee, Ratchabophit Temple, Sathitmahasimaram), the laying of the foundation stone for the Phra Buddha Bhumi Rangsi Ubosot took place. The sangha, the monks' residence, was constructed as a two-story building with the lower level made of stone and cement and the upper level made of wood. It spans 25 meters in width and 60 meters in length.

In 1984, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn presided over the ceremony where the main Buddha image in the chapel was cast in gold and given the auspicious name "Phra Phuttha Chai Rangsi Mongkol- Thosaphon Maha Karunasakhon." This name signifies that the Lord Buddha possesses powerful wisdom, and His Majesty's grace extends as far as Mahasakhon. The Ubosot was also named "Phra Phuttha Bhumrangsi Ubosot," symbolizing prosperity and stability through the Dhamma, akin to a Buddhist landscape. Additionally, 1 Somdej Phra Sangharaja Palace, 12 huts, and Thai houses were constructed for the residence of monks and novices, and 6 huts were built for the Dhamma Neramitrangsi kin group.
 

In 1987, the construction of Burapha Siam Rajarangsi Temple, also known as Maha Viharn Luang Sok, took place. This temple, serving as a place for monks to convene and conduct ceremonies, was presided over by Somdet Phra Ariyawongsakatayanana. His Holiness Somdej Phra Sangharaja Sakon Maha Sangkha Parinayok (Vasanavasana Maha Thera) of Wat Ratchabophit Sathitmahasimaram played a key role in laying the foundation stone. The temple was built as a two-story structure, with the lower interior adorned with marble and the upper interior constructed from wood. It spans 50 meters in width and 100 meters in length and houses a Buddha image, particularly sacred to the temple, named Luang Phor Yai Chai Rangsi. His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen bestowed a cloth Sabai to cover the Buddha image for worship. Another sacred item at the temple is the relics of His Majesty the Lord Buddha, enshrined by Somdej Phra Yansongworn Somdet Phra Sangharaja Sakon Maha Sanghaparinayok on July 20, 2009.

Inside the temple, depictions of past Buddhist masters from throughout Thailand who exemplified good conduct and righteousness are displayed for homage. The interior is adorned with a pearl cabinet and porcelain benjarong. Ancient objects donated by Buddhists are showcased, and each pillar is decorated with a benjarong vase. The temple also houses a large cathedral from China, brought by numerous groups of believers for worship. The cathedral is open to the public every day from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

In 1989, Somdet Phra Yansangworn, His Royal Highness Somdet Phra Sangrat Sakon Maha Sangkhaparinayok (Charoen Suvadhano) of Wat Bowonniwet Vihara, presided over the laying of the foundation stone for the construction of three Phrapariyati Dhamma Schools. These schools were intended for studying Dhamma and Vinaya for monks and novices.

Currently, the Ministry of Public Health building is utilized as a study area for undergraduate students. Malay Mahamakutaraja College (Sangha University), a higher education institution opened in the temple, aims to provide education opportunities for people to study and acquire knowledge in both worldly and religious aspects. It serves as a public higher education institution, offering teachings to students, including monks and novices, as well as the general public. The project leader for the construction of Kuti Kuwanan as the temple's central office is Phrakru Sripariyathiwithan, the abbot.

In 2007, on August 29, Her Royal Highness Princess Somsaowalee Rajathinaddamatu performed a gold pouring ceremony for the largest Naga Prok statue at the temple.

Currently, Wat Pa Chai Rangsi has expanded its area from the original 25 rai to 104 rai, granted through the royal grant of Wisungkhamsima. Established as a Buddhist temple on January 30, 1987, the number of monks observing Buddhist Lent has increased yearly. In 2014, there are 23 monks, 3 novices, and 3 nuns.

Wat Pa Chai Rangsi, recognized for its tranquil and serene environment with complete facilities, has been designated by Samut Sakhon Province as a place for Buddhists to practice Dhamma, conduct camps, and provide moral and ethical training for students and various state and public agencies. The temple's facilities are used by different faculties every month.

Key areas within the temple include Phra Ubosot, Phra Wihan Burapha Siam Rangsi, Bodhinantharasi alms hall, Phra Pariyattitham school, Sosaratrangsi hall, monks' quarters, forest planting area, pond, temple arch, bell tower, and the overall temple area.

Significant sacred items at the temple include:
- Luang Phor Yai Chai Rangsi (at the temple)
- Somdej Phra Phutthachai Rangsi (at the temple)
- The relics of the Lord Buddha (at the temple)

The list of abbots from the past to the present includes:
1. Phra Maha Prakob Dhammajivo (Phrakhru Sirisutvaraporn)
2. Phra Thepsitthiyanrangsi (Phra Acharn Chan Kwesko), the founder of the temple.
3. Phra Khru Preecha Thammarangsi (Phra Maha Pramuan Piyadhammo)
4. Phra Khru Sripariyatiwithana (Phra Mahaman Kupatrasi) (current abbot)

Wat Pa Chai Rangsi

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Contact
Wat Pa Chai Rangsi

Location: No. 103 Moo. 4, Ban Koh Subdistrict, Mueang Samut Sakhon District
Samut Sakhon Province 74000

Contact number: 087-169-8426

Business hours: 6:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Open every day.

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