Fresh from the Site – Wat Bote Undertakes Major Restoration of 400-Year-Old Ordination Hall

Wat Bote in Ban Klang Subdistrict, Mueang District, Pathum Thani—originally called Wat Saai Nang Hongsa—was built in 1621 on the eastern bank of the Chao Phraya River by Mon refugees from Hongsavadi who named the temple after their homeland and erected a swan column symbolizing their ancestral city. The temple received royal consecration in 1725 and houses important archaeological remains and artifacts, including an old Mon-style vihara and sacred Buddha images.

Wat Bote became famous through its legendary abbot Luang Pu Tian Puputtammo, a revered Mon Buddhist master deeply respected throughout Pathum Thani and among amulet collectors. He created numerous sacred talismans and protective amulets, including inscribed cloth shirts, blessed cords, and metal charms, personally writing sacred texts and incantations on each item. He became so renowned that devotees believed no harm would befall those carrying his sacred amulets. His Buddha powder images embedded with protective cords and his compassion-focused amulets gained widespread fame. His coins from 1947 remain highly sought-after collector's items and are considered the most popular amulets of Pathum Thani Province. He passed away peacefully on July 18, 1966, at age 90.

Over time, the temple buildings deteriorated significantly, particularly the original ordination hall.

Phra Raj Maha Jetiyabhiban (Taksin Suntaravati), assistant abbot of Wat Arun Rajwararam and acting representative abbot of Wat Bote, explained that the temple is currently restoring the ordination hall, which is over 400 years old. The goal is to restore it to its original elegant design. The current ordination hall was built in 1967 to replace the original collapsed structure, but its architecture differs from the original. The restoration aims to recreate the distinctive Maha Udom ordination hall style, characterized by a single entrance-exit on the front, no windows, and solid walls—believed to be a sacred space for consecrating magical talismans and amulets.

"During excavation, we discovered the foundation of the principal Buddha image from the original ordination hall, estimated at over 400 years old, along with numerous old bricks and tiles. Surprisingly, we haven't yet found the reliquary that traditionally would be buried beneath the ordination hall. We're continuing to survey the surrounding area and coordinating with the Department of Fine Arts to ensure the restoration follows proper academic principles," Phra Raj Maha Jetiyabhiban stated.

Additionally, Wat Bote is constructing the Phra Phutthamaha Chakraphat Buddha image project—a sacred image from the temple's 400-year-old vihara. The three-story meditation building will be 28 meters wide and 40.72 meters tall, commemorating the auspicious occasion of His Majesty the King's 72nd birthday celebration on July 28, 2024. The reinforced concrete structure's first floor will accommodate 1,500 people, with the second floor serving as a meditation space.