“Wat Arun Phatthana is a spiritual center for the community. The temple buildings are beautifully restored and preserved. Inside, there are ancient Buddha images and a unique bell tower. There are also weekly chanting and sermons.”
Wat Arun Pattana, also locally known by its former name, Samnak Song Ban Arun Pattana (Ban Arun Pattana Monastery), is situated on a significant land plot within the Arun Pattana village, Moo 11, Ban Yang Subdistrict, Lam Thamen Chai District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. The monastery encompasses a generous area of 23 rai and 3 ngan (approximately 9.5 acres). This substantial size is considered large for a rural monastic center, granting it great potential for development as a central religious hub and a place for meditation practice.
The history of its founding stems from the strong desire of local villagers to have a nearby place of worship and practice, making it convenient for them to perform religious rites and learn the Dharma. The monastery was officially established on November 30, B.E. 2553 (2010), and operates under the jurisdiction of the Maha Nikaya monastic order. Although it has not yet attained the full status of a complete temple (Wat), it has consistently served as a residence for monks and a vital spiritual gathering place for the local community.
The primary role of Wat Arun Pattana is to be the spiritual center for the residents of Arun Pattana and neighboring villages. It hosts important religious activities and traditional ceremonies throughout the year, such as merit-making and alms-giving on significant Buddhist days, as well as annual merit events like Thod Kathin and Pha Pa (robe-offering ceremonies). These activities help strengthen the unity and spiritual resilience of the community. Furthermore, the monastery is open as a venue for Dharma practice and meditation for all Buddhists seeking peace and refuge from external distractions.
Regarding its buildings and facilities (Sena Saneh), as the monastery is still in the developmental stage, it may not boast the grandeur of larger, established temples. However, it does possess the necessary structures for the monks' daily routines and for accommodating lay practitioners, including the Sala Kan Parian (sermon hall), monks' living quarters (Kuti), and areas dedicated to religious rites. The monastery and its committee continue to fundraise and carry out construction projects with the goal of achieving full temple status in the near future, thus serving as a true testament to the faith and cooperation of the local community.
How to Get There
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Main Transportation Method: Since the temple is located quite far from the city center or main transportation routes, the most convenient way to get there is by private car or motorcycle.
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Directions from the main road: If traveling from the main road in Lam Thamenchai District, head towards Ban Yang Subdistrict. Then, look for the sign for Arun Phatthana Village or use a GPS to navigate to the temple's coordinates.
Travel Tips
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Please dress modestly when visiting the meditation center.
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As this is a community monastery, please respect the site and strictly adhere to temple rules.
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If you wish to participate in special activities, please inquire with the monastery in advance.
Admission Fees:
- No Admission Fees
Opening Hours:
- Since rural temples often do not have strict opening and closing times like tourist attractions, visiting during the daytime (e.g, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM) is the most suitable time for viewing and making merit