Wat Phra Phutthachai (Temple of the Buddha's Shadow)

History & Significance

Wat Phra Phutthachai is an ancient temple with a history spanning more than 400 years. It is believed that the Buddha's shadow (Phra Phutthachai) on the cliffside was discovered during the reign of King Songtham of the Ayutthaya Kingdom, who ordered a nationwide search for Buddha footprints. Upon finding the shadow, a mandapa (shrine) was built to cover it. Later, during the reign of King Suea, another mandapa was constructed nearby to house the right Buddha footprint. In March 2025, the temple was officially elevated to a second-class royal temple by King Rama X to honor his 72nd birthday anniversary.

Highlights & What to See

The temple offers several unique historical and spiritual attractions:

• The Buddha's Shadow (Phra Phutthachai): A faint red silhouette resembling the Buddha, visible on the overhanging cliff face.
• The Right Buddha Footprint: Located in the hilltop mandapa, this sacred footprint was rediscovered in 1994 by the Fine Arts Department when they removed a cement floor during renovations and found the footprint embedded in the rock beneath the sand.
• Prehistoric Rock Paintings: Near the cliff and cave entrances, visitors can observe ancient line drawings estimated to be 3,000 years old. Painted with tree sap, these drawings depict animals (such as deer), human hands, chickens, and symbols, bearing a strong resemblance to the prehistoric art found at Pha Taem in Ubon Ratchathani.
• Phra Mokhalla Lan Yard: An open cliffside plaza featuring a statue of Phra Mokhalla (Maudgalyayana) for worship, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Visitor Information

Wat Phra Phutthachai is open daily from 07:00 to 17:00. Admission is free. Visitors are advised to dress respectfully, covering shoulders and knees, as it is an active royal temple. A staircase leads from the ground level up to the hilltop mandapa, making it convenient for visitors to pay their respects to the Buddha's shadow and footprint.

How to Get There

The temple is located at Pathawi Hill, Nong Pla Lai Subdistrict, Mueang Saraburi District, Saraburi Province. It is easily accessible by car, and parking facilities are available on-site. For inquiries, visitors can contact the temple at 0 3630 3169.