Phra That Kham Kaen

Phra That Kham Kaen is located at Wat Chetiyaphum, Ban Kham, Village No. 1, Ban Kham Subdistrict, Nam Phong District, Khon Kaen Province. It is a sacred place of Khon Kaen Province. Ban Kham used to be a city since ancient times, approximately 2,000 years ago, since 500 B.E. It was built in the 25th century. According to history, Moriyakasat, the ruler of Morai, a city in Cambodia, intended to bring the ashes of the Lord Buddha, which he had kept during the passing of the Lord Buddha, to be enshrined in Phra That Phanom. Therefore, he ordered 9 Arahants and senior monks to lead the procession to invite the ashes of the Lord Buddha this time. When they passed Don Makham, there was a large tamarind tree that had died, leaving only the core. Since it was dusk and the terrain in this area was flat, they stopped the group to rest temporarily. The next morning, they continued their journey until they reached Phu Kham Phra, where they found that Phra That Phrom had been completed. They then returned and intended to bring the ashes back to their hometown. However, when they passed Don Makham again, they found that the tamarind core The dead tree then grew branches and sprouts lush green leaves, which is amazing. The group inviting Phra Angkhan That therefore unanimously built a pagoda around this tamarind tree, along with bringing Phra Angkhan That and giving it the name "Phra That Kham Kaen" to this day. Phra That Kham Kaen is approximately 10 meters high, with a base in the shape of an inverted lotus, a square plan that tapers upwards, and a golden umbrella at the top. The body of the pagoda is in the shape of a lotus bud with a twelve-angled top. On the east side next to the pagoda is the Sim or old chapel, which was built alongside the pagoda since ancient times. It is a beautiful Lan Xang architecture with a wooden fretwork on the pediment, gable, raka leaves, swan's tail, and honeycomb patterns on the front arch. The craftsmanship is exquisite, and the wall near the Sim door has a painting by locals of a policeman holding a rifle as a door guard. Currently, Phra That Kham Kaen has been restored by the Fine Arts Department. The pagoda has been repainted, the walls on all four sides have been expanded, and the scenery has been beautifully decorated. Phra That Kham Kaen is an important place of worship for Khon Kaen and is a spiritual anchor. And there is another sacred place that is paired with Isan. Every full moon day of the 6th month, there is an annual celebration of Phra That Kham Kaen. Khon Kaen Province Tourism Blog Learn sustainable local wisdom through the cloth route at the Khum Sukho Handicraft Group. Experience the local way of life through the art of faith, "Hoop Taem Sim Isan".