Wat Thet Tham Nawa or Wat Tha Sai stands as yet another exquisite temple in the Thai Mueang District, Phang Nga Province. Nestled along the shores of a stunning beach, the temple boasts an ordination hall crafted entirely from teak wood, a majestic structure that commands attention amidst the pine trees lining Tha Sai beach.
In times long past, this locale served a solemn purpose as a cemetery for the villagers in the vicinity. When a resident passed away, a poignant tradition unfolded—their body embarked on a boat journey to find its final resting place, undergoing cremation in this very area.
The turning point arrived in 1990, marking the inception of Wat Tha Sai. From that moment onwards, the temple's story unfolded, a narrative shaped by the concerted efforts of villagers who held steadfast to their Buddhist beliefs. Together, they dedicated themselves to the development of Wat Tha Sai, transforming it into the splendid temple that graces the landscape today.
The defining feature of Wat Tha Sai lies in its remarkable ordination hall, a structure distinguished by its exquisite teak wood construction. The doors and windows of this hall bear intricate carvings that narrate the stories of Buddha's life, adding a touch of artistry and spirituality to the sacred space. Strikingly reminiscent of the chapel of Phra Aranyawasi in Nong Khai Province, it reflects a shared reverence for craftsmanship and the tales of the enlightened one.
Venturing inside the temple, a tranquil ambiance prevails, shrouded in shade and serenity. Unlike bustling tourist hubs, Wat Tha Sai remains a haven of quiet contemplation, with only a few visitors gracing its sacred grounds. Here, the whispers of history and spirituality intertwine, inviting those who seek solace to immerse themselves in the subdued beauty of this hidden gem.
The temple's interior warmly welcomes tourists and visitors, inviting them to explore its sacred spaces. However, a respectful dress code is encouraged, asking visitors to attire themselves in a polite manner. This practice aligns with the cultural and religious traditions observed within the temple, ensuring that the sanctity of the space is preserved.
As you step inside, the hallowed halls reveal a world of artistic marvels and spiritual contemplation. The ornate carvings on the doors and windows share the profound stories of Buddha's life, offering a visual journey through the teachings and enlightenment of the revered figure. Visitors, dressed in modest attire, can soak in the tranquil atmosphere and appreciate the cultural richness that Wat Tha Sai graciously unveils to those who seek a deeper connection with Thai heritage and spirituality.
Within the confines of the chapel, a truly awe-inspiring centerpiece captures the essence of Buddhist reverence. An image of Buddha, delicately carved from white jade stone, graces the sacred space. This exquisite masterpiece portrays Buddha in the posture of giving the first sermon, a momentous event in his life.
The artistry displayed in this white jade sculpture reflects a profound influence from Indian art, subtly intertwining cultural threads that transcend borders. Placed prominently within the chapel, the serene countenance of Buddha carved in white jade becomes a focal point for contemplation and spiritual reflection.
A sacred presence within Wat Tha Sai is the consecrated holy water jar, a revered artifact with profound significance in the beliefs of the Thai people of Buddhist descent. Devotees firmly believe in the auspicious qualities of this holy water and often bring it home to sprinkle within their living spaces or upon their bodies, seeking blessings and good fortune.
The ritual of sprinkling holy water is seen as a symbolic act of purification and spiritual protection. Thai Buddhists believe that the consecrated water carries the essence of the temple's sanctity and serves to ward off negativity, ushering in positive energies and blessings into their lives.
After showing my respect to the Buddha inside Wat Tha Sai, I decided to explore the back of the temple. I noticed that the back part seemed closed, but there were these small doors on both sides. Opening them up, I discovered a beautiful hidden area.
The whole space behind the temple was filled with intricate carvings of flowers and lotus blossoms, all shining in a stunning gold color. It was clear that a lot of care and skill went into creating these carvings. The golden glow from the carvings mixed with the sunlight that peeked through the trees, creating this magical atmosphere.
Close to the chapel, there's a special spot at Wat Tha Sai – the sermon pavilion. This is where various religious ceremonies take place. Stepping inside, I found myself in a spacious open hall. As my eyes wandered, I noticed a particular corner adorned with numerous Buddha statues.
The hall exuded a sense of tranquility, perhaps amplified by the presence of these serene statues. Each Buddha figure seemed to radiate its own unique energy, creating a sacred ambiance within the pavilion. The atmosphere was one of reverence, where devotees could gather to engage in religious rituals or simply find solace in the quietude of this sacred space.
The arrangement of the statues in the far corner of the hall added a touch of grace to the pavilion. It was as if the Buddhas as silent witnesses to the spiritual events and ceremonies that unfolded within the pavilion. The sermon pavilion, with its open layout and the array of Buddha statues, served as a poignant reminder of the deep spiritual essence that permeated every corner of Wat Tha Sai.
What adds to the allure of the sermon pavilion is that, much like the chapel I had just left, it is crafted entirely from wood. However, it stands distinctively taller and more open. The intricate details and craftsmanship that went into constructing this wooden sanctuary were evident as I marveled at its design.
The pavilion's wooden structure seemed to reach for the sky, creating a sense of openness and grandeur. The natural texture of the wood, combined with the craftsmanship on display, added a rustic charm to the sacred space. The aroma of the wood, weathered by time and devotion, lingered in the air, enhancing the overall sensory experience.
This architectural harmony, where wood became the medium for spiritual expression, underscored the continuity of tradition and craftsmanship within Wat Tha Sai. As I stood within the sermon pavilion, surrounded by the quiet elegance of wooden pillars and beams, I couldn't help but appreciate how this material lent a warm and inviting character to the religious ceremonies held within its sheltering embrace.
After showing my respect to the Buddha, I decided to take a stroll towards the beach, and what unfolded before me was a seemingly endless stretch of shoreline—the longest I had ever seen. The beach in the vicinity of the temple, however, held a unique tranquility. Signs prohibited tourists from sunbathing and swimming in this particular area, rendering it a serene and hushed sanctuary.
The absence of beachgoers lent an unusual calmness to the surroundings. The rhythmic lapping of the waves against the shore became the only audible melody, creating a peaceful symphony that echoed through the air. The beach, in its untouched state, embraced a quiet solitude, offering a stark contrast to the vibrant energy within the temple.
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