Hello everyone. How are you today? I hope all is well with you and your family. In this post, I have another temple in the northern of the country to share with friends. I and my wife intend to visit temples and share these temples in my country. Although each temple has the ordination hall (ubosot) or buddha image hall (viharn) that looks similar, But each ordination hall (ubosot) or buddha image hall (viharn) is decorated with different patterns. Most of these architectures are unique. In addition each region has ordination hall (ubosot) and buddha image hall (viharn) built in different styles too. My wife and I plan to visit every temple in the country if we have the opportunity. Now we only visit temples in Chiang Mai province. Because we have to take care of our son (autistic) we have limited free time. Therefore, we cannot visit temples that are far from our homes at this time.
This post is a temple in Chiang Dao District. This temple is called Wat Sawang Mongkol. Wat Sawang Mongkol has an interesting history. From information about Wat Sawang Mongkol. This temple is an ancient temple, The temple used to be an abandoned temple that was hundreds of years old. But there is no information on when the temple was built. And the temple was restored until 1983 or 42 years ago, This temple to be inscribed on the Thailand heritage list. And the status changed from an abandoned temple to a temple with containing the monks' living quarters. In AD 2007 or 18 years ago, Wat Sawang Mongkol received royal granting of the land to a particular temple by announcing in royal decree.
My wife and I's journey to this temple. The temple is about 60 kilometers from our house. It takes me about 1 hour to drive. But we are not tired from this journey. Because along the way there were beautiful scenery and atmosphere for us.Both the atmosphere in different villages and the natural atmosphere. We are therefore happy with this journey. These are some of the scenery and atmosphere of the journey.
When we were near the temple. We saw a buddha image and a pagoda from a distance.
I parked outside the temple and it's time to enjoy the temple. The entrance to the temple has an arch. But it is a simple arch and looks old. There are two lion statues on the pillars between the entrances.
At the right of the arch, there is a temple sign. The temple sign is decorated with the beautiful gold color pattern.
Wat Sawang Mongkol is a small rural temple. When we enter this temple, In front of the temple is the lawn. We will see pagodas, ordination hall (ubosot) and buddha image hall (viharn) close to each other. This pagoda is probably an old pagoda that has been restored. The shape of the pagoda at the bottom and middle resembles a lotus base. The shape of the top of the pagoda resembles the shape of stacking many bells with tierred umbrella. In front of this pagoda is a large gold color buddha image in the attitude of subduing mara. There are also two giant statues on the sides of the pagoda.
The ordination hall (ubosot) is surrounded by a low wall. Looks old and simpler than other temples we have visited. The front, doors and windows of the ordination hall (ubosot) are decorated with patterns. But there is no oil painting on the front. At entrance stairs to this ordination hall (ubosot) do not have the serpent statues. But there are many lion statues.
Unfortunately, the temple's buddha image hall (viharn) is being built but is not yet complete. The doors and windows of the buddha image hall (viharn) are decorated with beautiful patterns. But the front of the buddha image hall (viharn) has not been decorated yet. The entrance to this buddha image hall (viharn) has two serpent statues on the stairs. My wife and I intend that when this buddha image hall (viharn) is completed. We will visit this temple again.
Other areas in the temple are lawn with pavilions and section containing the monks' living quarters.
Even though this temple is a small rural temple, but creates a nice experience and enjoy for us this visit. These are the stories and photos I want to share for this post. Invite everyone to see and enjoy my stories and photos. Please forgive any errors/mistakes. Have a great day. See you next time. Thank you for your support and visiting my post. Bye 🤗
🌏 Wat Sawang Mongkol is located in Ban Huai Sai Khao, Thung Khao Phuang Subdistrict, Chiang Dao District, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand.
📷 Take photo By Smartphone Vivo V30.