“Wat Kok Khu Khat is an ancient temple located in the Ban Kok Khu Khat community, Kham Sakaesaeng District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. It is a spiritual center and a venue for religious ceremonies and local traditions for the villagers in the Ban Kok Khu Khat area.”
Wat Khok Khu Khat, under the administration of the Maha Nikaya order of the Buddhist Sangha, serves as the vital spiritual center for the Khok Khu Khat community and the surrounding Nong Hua Fan subdistrict. This ancient monastery boasts a long and rich history, reflecting the deep-seated devotion and faith of the local residents in Kham Sakae Saeng District toward Buddhism. The primary activities of the temple include serving as a location for spiritual practice (Vipassana) and merit-making, with regular alms-giving ceremonies held every morning and on major Buddhist holy days (Uposatha).
Beyond its religious functions, the temple plays a crucial role as a hub for local culture and traditions. Villagers gather at the temple to host important annual Buddhist events that follow the lunar calendar. These include the Khao Phansa (Buddhist Lent) and Ok Phansa (End of Buddhist Lent) merit-making ceremonies, which involve massive collective offerings of monastic robes (Kathina) and other necessities. Additionally, during the Songkran Festival (Thai New Year), the temple is the main venue for bathing the Buddha images and performing the traditional ritual of pouring water over the hands of elders to receive blessings.
While the temple structures (Sena-asana) may not be grand in scale, they hold deep reverence for the Buddhist faithful. Specifically, the Ubosot (Ordination Hall) and the Sala Kan Parian (Multipurpose Pavilion) are the principal locations for conducting religious rites and serve as important centers for teaching Buddhist morality (Dhamma) to the community's youth. The simplicity, tranquility, and shaded serenity of Wat Khok Khu Khat are key features that attract people seeking to pay their respects and find inner peace away from external distractions. This temple is, therefore, more than just a residence for monks; it is a spiritual home that continuously embraces and upholds virtuous conduct in the lives of the Khok Khu Khat people.
How to Get There
- Wat Kok Khu Khat is located in Nong Hua Phan Subdistrict, Kham Sakaesaeng District. The most convenient way to get there is by private car from Nakhon Ratchasima City, using Mittraphap Road (Highway 2) and turning onto the route in Kham Sakaesaeng District, following the signs to Nong Hua Phan Subdistrict.
Travel Tips
-
When visiting temples, dress appropriately.
-
Follow temple regulations and maintain peace.
-
If you visit during a festival, such as Songkran or Buddhist Lent, you'll experience the atmosphere of an interesting local traditional event.
Admission Fees:
- No admission fee
Opening Hours:
- It is open to visitors every day, usually from dawn (during alms-giving) until dusk (approximately 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM or later for religious ceremonies).