Wat Khok Saman Khun is a stunning and grand temple in Hat Yai. Historically significant this site contains more than 100 years of continuous existence. Among the temple’s attractions the one-of-a-kind Phra Prang Sam Yod stands out as the main point of interest in the province. Every Hat Yai traveler should add this destination to their itinerary. It’s time for us to honor the temple’s religious artifacts together.
Wat Khok Saman Khun : The brief history
This temple is located in the heart of Hat Yai District, Songkhla Province. It is considered one of the oldest and most significant temples, as it has a history of over 100 years and is also a royal temple. When talking about beautiful temples in Hat Yai, Wat Khok Samanakhun is definitely on the list!
The site previously operated as the abandoned temple named Wat Khok Samed Chun. The temple stood empty for approximately thirty years. Satree Monastery started its restoration work because monks and novices needed accommodations during train journeys. The villagers followed Luang Pho Pan’s lead to rebuild the temple into one that housed resident monks. In the year 1923 (B.E. 2466), it was officially established as a temple and renamed Wat Khok Saman Khun, which is what we still call it today.
The temple’s importance derives from when King Rama IX personally conducted the gable apex (Chor Fah) placement ceremony at the ordination hall and provided funds from his own wealth for temple development in 2520 B.E. (1977). The royal temple designation came into Being through the actions of the king. This temple provides spiritual leadership to the people of Hat Yai together with being a royal temple under personal patronage from King Rama IX.
Things to see when visiting Wat Khok Saman Khun
Wat Khok Saman Khun has many interesting features. There exists only one example of Phra Prang Sam Yod among the temples found exclusively at Hat Yai. The temple houses sacred Buddha relics (Phra Borom Saririkathat) which arrived from Sri Lanka. Visitors will find the architectural fusion exceptionally fascinating. The temple boasts a stunning Phra Ubosot (ordination hall) beside its beautiful monk residences (Kuti Song) and its magnificent library which inspires photography so much that visitors should seek out their cameras.
Open for visitors: 08.00-18.00 hrs.