About Wat Khuk Khak
Wat Khuk Khak is a marvellous most-visited temple lies in the Khuk Khak area. It also goes by the name, Wat Khommaniyakhet but is more well-known as Wat Khuk Khak due to its location. It is a magnificent temple complex occupying a wide area with tall shady trees. It was built in 1909 and refurnished by Thailand’s Department of Religion, Ministry of Culture and it’s a testament to Thailand’s rich cultural and architectural heritage.
Location
As you pass by the entrance road of the JW Marriott Resort, you’ll come across the impressive entrance gate of Wat Khuk Khak and the street that leads to the temple. Continuing along the road for about 500 metres, passing by local housing and a public swimming pool, you’ll reach a roundabout adorned with a standing Buddha statue. Proceed straight at the roundabout, and you’ll soon spot the Ubosot (Ordination hall) of the Temple. As you approach the roundabout, you’ll notice illustration boards explaining Buddha’s Life journey on the left and right sides of the road. Feel free to park your car, bikes, or bicycles in the parking area on the left side.
Ubosot
Wat Khuk Khak’s Ubosot is most remarkable for its well-curved architectural work. These detailed floral pattern wall carvings and deity sculptures with wise use of colours will leave you amazed. As you approach it, there are two massive real-sized elephant statues right at the entrance. The building is structured as a three-tiered roof painted with blue, yellow, and orange, representing the colours of the Buddhist flag and significant roof finials called Chofah, which resembles a tall thin bird and hornlike.
Ubosot is surrounded by four pairs of demon guardians called Yak (Yaksha as in Hindu origin) to protect against evil spirits as well as Chinese Buddhist statues and incense burners. There are two doors in the front. Inside the Ubosot is filled with astonishing frescoes of Buddha journeys on the wall three-person tall and a golden seated Buddha in the centre.
As you pass by the Ubosot, you’ll notice significant buildings of the temple complex on the left side. These include a Sacred hall for religious activities, monastery, and a sacred altar housing Luang Por Waeng Apakro, a former abbot who passed away in the year 1968, and whose body has not decayed until now. The Statue of former abbot can be seen on the left side where a bonfire is constantly built outside his residence all the time. There is a crematorium located at the end of the temple, as it is common for many Thai Buddhists to hold funeral ceremonies and cremations there.
Religious significance
The temple predominantly reflects Buddhist beliefs, yet it also features statues influenced by Chinese and Hindu Buddhist traditions, as well as elements of animism and deity worship. This diverse mix highlights the temple’s rich heritage, embracing various cultures and religious practices.
Perfect time to visit Wat Khuk Khak
A nice time to visit Wat Khuk Khak is during the religious festive months of October and November. Especially during the Kathin Merit Ceremony, you will see long iles of food stands where you can try traditional Thai food as much as you want for free.
