Wat Sriutumpron (Wat Luang Pho Choi)

History & Significance

Wat Sriutumpron was established in 1942 (B.E. 2485) under the leadership of Phra Khru Choi Chanthasuvanno, a highly respected development monk who was widely revered as the "Deity of Pak Nam Pho." Originally, local residents referred to the site as "Wat Wang Duea" after the original name of the village. The temple received its official royal boundary (Wisungkhamsima) on July 31, 1951 (B.E. 2494). Originally situated on a flat lowland surrounded by rice fields and local communities, the temple grounds expanded in 1996 when Phra Khru Choi purchased additional land, bringing the temple's total area to over 16 rai. Today, it stands as a major spiritual center in Nakhon Sawan Province.

Highlights & What to See

The temple features several remarkable architectural and cultural highlights:

• Ubosot Loy Fah (Floating Ordination Hall): This impressive two-story ordination hall is supported by 100 pillars. The entrance gate is adorned with a detailed stucco sculpture of Hanuman opening his mouth. Inside, the pillars, walls, and ceiling are beautifully decorated with intricate stucco patterns, Benjarong ceramics, and colorful tiles. It houses the Phra Phuttha Sri Uthumphon Patimakon Rattanamanee, a replica of Phra Phuttha Chinnasri, and Luang Pho Sukhothai Sukjai.
• Phra Mondop: This structure features a grand archway and a long Naga staircase flanked by two white pagodas. The staircase is adorned with exquisite carvings of Nagas, three-headed elephants, guardian angels, and giants guarding the entrance. Inside, visitors can pay respects to the main Buddha image, Phra Phuttha Chinnasri, view murals depicting the life of Buddha, and pay homage to the preserved body (sari-ra sangkhan) of Luang Pho Choi.
• Ho Phra, Ho Thep, and Ho Rakhang-Klong: A beautiful tower built entirely of golden teak wood. It houses a sacred bell, a drum, a green jade Buddha image, wax figures of famous master monks, and various deity statues.
• Ho Mit Thep Satsatrawut (Sacred Knife Hall): This hall houses the world's largest sacred exorcist knife (Mit Mo), measuring 9 meters in length and weighing 3,000 kilograms. The blade is forged from steel, while the handle is crafted from a 100-year-old Hopea odorata (Takian Thong) log.

Visitor Information

Wat Sriutumpron is open daily to visitors from 08:00 AM to 05:00 PM. Admission is free of charge. Visitors are advised to dress respectfully, covering shoulders and knees, as it is an active place of worship. For inquiries, you can contact the temple at 056286027.

How to Get There

The temple is located in Moo 9, Nong Krot Subdistrict, Mueang Nakhon Sawan District, Nakhon Sawan Province. It is easily accessible by car, and on-site parking is available for visitors.