The Sakon Nakhon City Pillar Shrine and the Chao Pho Mahesak Shrine stand as the twin spiritual anchors of the province, located at the southwest corner of Sra Phang Thong, a historic sacred lake dating back to ancient times. This sacred complex is unique because it houses two distinct yet harmoniously intertwined spiritual entities. First is the "Chao Pho Mahesak Shrine," dedicated to a guardian deity whose worship is believed to have originated during the ancient Khmer Empire. According to local lore, Chao Pho Mahesak is the supreme protective spirit of the "Nong Han" (the ancient name of Sakon Nakhon). Originally a modest wooden structure, the shrine has evolved through generations of faith into a majestic Thai-contemporary pavilion, symbolizing the enduring reverence of the local people for their ancestral protector.

The "City Pillar Shrine" itself represents the traditional Thai cosmological belief in establishing a spiritual center for the city’s stability and prosperity. The pillar is crafted from a massive, auspicious timber, with its top meticulously carved into a lotus bud shape, housing the city's astrological foundation plate. The architecture of the shrine is a stunning "Chaturamuk" (four-sided) design with a soaring spire, decorated in white and gold to represent purity and auspiciousness. The surrounding grounds are meticulously landscaped, offering a serene environment for contemplation and worship.

The significance of this site transcends its physical form; it is the "Soul of the City." Daily, a steady stream of visitors comes to pay their respects—business owners pray for wealth, while civil servants seek career advancement and smooth governance. A pivotal moment in the local calendar is the grand annual worship ceremony held on the 6th day of the waxing moon in the 3rd lunar month. This centuries-old tradition is a thanksgiving to Chao Pho Mahesak for protecting the city from disasters and ensuring seasonal rains for agriculture. Visiting the shrine offers travelers a profound insight into the spiritual tapestry of Sakon Nakhon, where Brahmanic traditions, Buddhist practices, and ancient ancestral worship blend seamlessly into the vibrant lifestyle of the modern city.

• By car: Enter Sakon Nakhon city center and take Charoen Mueang Road, Soi 2, which is close to downtown.

• By public transport: Local transport options such as motorized tricycles or taxis can bring visitors directly to the shrine.

• Worshiping at the city pillar shrine is believed to enhance stability, career success, and prosperity.

• Don’t forget to pay respects at the four subsidiary shrines behind the main shrine: Thao Si Phum Mi, Thao Si Phum Ma, Thao Si Uthai, and Thao Si Wanta.

• The surroundings are clean and peaceful, ideal for making merit and quiet reflection.

• Visit in the morning or afternoon for comfort and a serene atmosphere.

Admission Fees:

• Free of charge

Opening Hours:

• Generally open from 08:00 – 17:00