Phra That Kham Kaen is a temple of great importance as it houses Buddha relics and hence is counted among one of the many revered temples of Khon Kaen as well as Thailand. Its importance can be guessed from the fact that the city of Khon Kaen derives its name from this temple which is also a part of Khon Kaen’s provincial seal. You can enjoy traveling to Phra That Kham Kaen at your own terms with a car hire from Thailand Cars Rental.
Phra That Kham Kaen
Posted on: 22nd February 2016
Legend of Phra That Kham Kaen
Some time in 17th century when Wat Phra That Phanom’s Chedi was being constructed, a Khmer king ordered the monks to travel to the new Chedi and place the relics there. On their way they spent a night at Kham Kaen close to a dead tamarind tree; legend says that the monks kept the relics on the tree for the night. Next day they travelled further but as they reached they found that the Chedi was complete so they returned and on their way back noticed that the dead tree was reviving. Hence it was decided that a Chedi will be built here; moreover it is interesting to note that Khon Kaen itself means wood of the tamarind tree.
Phra That Kham Kaen’s Style & Structure
Phra That Kham Kaen’s Chedi is categorized as a Laotian style Chedi and is located on the grounds of temple named Wat Chetiyaphum which also contains other buildings including the ordination hall and the assembly hall. Its viharn’s i.e. assembly hall’s entrance has two white lions, whereas its high roofs are decorated with golden chofah and other elements of ornamental nature that represent the mythological bird- Garuda. Though the ubosot is comparatively small and simple but its front gable has a really beautiful painting of highly decorated armed guardians and its entrance has two multi-tiered ceremonial umbrellas.
Admission: Free Opening Time: 24 hours