Wat Chang Mob
Location: Ban Chang Mob, Naeng Mud Subdistrict, Kap Choeng District, Surin Province
Wat Chang Mob, officially named Wat Mongkhon Kacharam
Wat Chang Mob, also known as Wat Mongkhon Kacharam, is home to the renowned monk Luang Pho Phuan, a highly respected Buddhist master of Surin Province.
The temple is scenically beautiful, surrounded by mountains and forests, making it ideal for meditation and Dharma-based tourism for both locals and visitors. Devotees commonly pay respects to Phra Phimon Phatthanasorn (Luang Pho Phuan Woramanjaro), the abbot of Wat Chang Mob, who was celebrated for his mastery of the Brahmavihara virtues, spiritual practice, and contributions to the people of Surin. He has since passed away, but remains highly venerated.
History and Background
Origin: Around 19741975 (B.E. 25172518), Luang Pho Phuan (Phra Phimon Phatthanasorn) was on a forest pilgrimage along the Thai-Cambodian border. He discovered a cave on a hill in the Phanom Dong Rak mountains and stayed there to practice meditation, later establishing the temple at this site.
Official Establishment: The site developed from a monastic residence into a full-fledged temple under the guidance of Luang Pho Phuan, who was later conferred the ecclesiastical title of Phra Rajakhana Chan Samun (Phra Phimon Phatthanasorn) on June 10, 2006 (B.E. 2549).
Luang Pho Phuan Woramanjaro
(Phra Phimon Phatthanasorn)
Birth Name: Phuan Kaewlo Date of Birth: Wednesday, April 15, 1929 (B.E. 2472)
Place of Birth: Ban Trad, Village No. 2, Kho Kho Subdistrict, Mueang District, Surin Province
Luang Pho Phuan was known for his strict discipline in monastic practice and his dedication to studying Dharma and undertaking forest meditation (dhutanga) in various natural sites, especially along the Thai-Cambodian border.
He gained fame for enhancing merit and fortune, astrology, and assisting locals according to the principles of Buddhist economics and compassion. Even at the age of 87 (B.E. 2559 / 2016), he continued to perform religious duties and offer guidance to villagers. He passed away on June 5, 2016 (B.E. 2559).
Architecture and Significant Sites
Phra Prang Khun Charo Mani Si Tra Yot Phet
Construction Start: March 9, 2009 (B.E. 2552)
Structure: Main prang with three spires and eight subsidiary prangs in the cardinal directions
Base Size: 70 × 100 meters; approximately 5 meters high
Materials and Design: Built with laterite stone and mixed cement, decorated with Thai-Khmer patterns, inspired by Phra That Phanom and Angkor Wat. The design was personally created by Luang Pho Phuan, though the construction is only about 60% complete.
Buddhas Footprint
(Phra Phutthabat)
Located above the cave where Luang Pho Phuan once practiced meditation, the site features a Buddhas footprint measuring approximately 33 inches wide and 56 inches long.
A mandap (small pavilion) has been constructed over it for devotees to pay their respects.
Discovery and Origin of the Buddhas Footprint
Luang Pho Phuan (Phra Phimon Phatthanasorn) practiced forest meditation (dhutanga) in the cave on the hill of the Phanom Dong Rak mountains from around 19741984 (B.E. 25172527).
During this period, it was reported that multicolored lights appeared above the Buddhas footprint at night, especially on Buddhist holy days (Wan Phra). The lights could be seen extending until 1 a.m., surrounded by large Takian trees nearby, adding to the sacred atmosphere of the site.
Atmosphere and Environment of Wat Chang Mob
Upon entering Wat Chang Mob, visitors are immediately greeted by a sense of serenity and fresh, clean air, a hallmark of a temple situated on a low hill in the Phanom Dong Rak mountain range along the Thai-Cambodian border.
The surrounding atmosphere is enveloped by lush forests, with tall trees standing in rows as if quietly welcoming devotees and pilgrims who come to pay their respects and seek spiritual solace.
In the early morning, a light mist drifts over the treetops, creating a veil of Dharma that gently soothes the mind. The first sunlight of the day reflects off the three spires of Phra Prang Khun Charo Mani Si Tra Yot Phet, enhancing the sense of faith and sacredness.
In the evening, visitors can witness the golden glow of the sunset casting shadows across the prangs and tall trees, creating a scene reminiscent of a cinematic backdrop. This time of day is often chosen by devotees for walking meditation (jongkrom) or quiet Dharma discussions, allowing for peaceful reflection in harmony with nature.
Visiting Hours & Visitor Information Wat Chang Mob
Opening Hours: 08:00 - 16:00
Location: Ban Chang Mob, Naeng Mud Subdistrict, Kap Choeng District, Surin Province
Parking: Spacious area suitable for both private vehicles and tour buses
สิ่งอำนวยความสะดวก
- ทางเข้าสามารถเข้าถึงได้ด้วยรถยนต์
- มีลานจอดรถ
- พื้นที่ราบบนยอดเนินเดินสะดวก
- ไม่มีข้อมูลว่ามีร้านค้า อย่างไรก็ดีควรเตรียมอาหารน้ำดื่มไปเอง
ทำไมวัดช้างหมอบถึงควรค่าแก่การเยือน
- เยี่ยมชมศิลปกรรมเอกลักษณ์ที่ผสมผสานวัฒนธรรมไทยและขอมบนเนินเชิงภูเขา
- สัมผัสพลังธรรมและความศรัทธาต่อหลวงพ่อพวน ซึ่งมีลูกศิษย์จากทั่วทิศ
- เหมาะสำหรับผู้ที่ต้องการปลีกวิเวก สู่ความสงบ ท่ามกลางธรรมชาติ
- เรียนรู้วิถีการพึ่งพาตนเองตามพุทธเศรษฐกิจ และชมกิจกรรมที่แก้ปัญหาชุมชนอย่างเป็นรูปธรรม
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