Wat Phothisomphon, Udon Thani

🏖️ Environment/Facilities: A serene and tranquil sanctuary located in the heart of the city. Despite its central location, the interior offers a peaceful atmosphere ideal for meditation and spiritual practice. 💞 Reasons to Recommend: This temple was built during the late Rattanakosin era, under the reign of King Rama V, by Maha Amat Tri Phraya Srisuriyarat Woranuwat (Phothi Netiphothi), the governor of Udon Province. Locals often refer to it as "Wat Mai" (New Temple). Later, Prince Chinaworasiriwat, the 11th Supreme Patriarch of Rattanakosin, bestowed the name "Wat Phothisomphon" in honor of Phraya Srisuriyarat Woranuwat, the temple's founder. The temple houses significant relics and artifacts, including: - Phra Buddha Rasmii, the principal Buddha image in the ordination hall, a bronze statue in the Mara Vichaya posture, approximately 600 years old. - A laterite Buddha statue in the Lopburi art style, in the posture of granting blessings, approximately 1,300 years old, located in the niche at the back wall of the ordination hall. - The sacred Bodhi tree, grown from a sapling gifted by the Sri Lankan government to Thailand in 1950, planted on the northern side of the ordination hall. - A replica of the Buddha's footprint, crafted from laterite, over 200 years old, housed in a pavilion north of the ordination hall. - Phra Borommathat Thamma Chedi, built in 2005, a three-story museum pagoda containing relics of the Buddha, Buddha images, Buddhist scriptures, teachings, relics of Arahant disciples, and statues of revered teachers. 🕰️ Operating Hours: Open 24 hours 💰 Average Cost per Person: Free admission; donations are optional. 📍 Address: Phanuyom Road, Mak Khaeng Subdistrict, west of Nong Prajak, Mueang District, Udon Thani Province.