Wat Traiphum Khanachan (วัดไตรภูมิคณาจารย์)

Thai. ‘Temple of the Venerable Teachers of the Three Realms’ or
‘Monastery of the Esteemed Masters of the Threefold World’. Name of a significant temple located in Roi Et Province, Northeastern Thailand, formerly known as Wat Pah. It was constructed during the reign of King Rama IV (fig.), reflecting the growing importance of Buddhist monastic institutions in the region during this period. On 5 May 1798, the temple was granted royal patronage and received the name Wat Traiphum Ban Tak Daet (วัดไตรภูมิบ้านตากแดด). It became the monastic residence of Phra Kruh Lak Kham (หลักคำ), the ecclesiastical head of the Monthon Korat Province, who oversaw monks in the northeastern region and its affiliated states, including Vientiane, Nakhon Champasak, Phra Tabong (พระตะบอง), and Sri Sophon (ศรีโสภณ). The temple complex contains a number of significant structures. The principal ordination hall, or sim, serves as the main sanctuary and faces east. Flanking the sim to the north and south are two subsidiary chedi rai (เจดีย์ราย), satellite stupas or surrounding stupas that are typically placed around a main stupa or principal structure in a temple compound. Behind the sim stands a pavilion that houses a stucco Buddha statue, covered in gilded lacquer, which was relocated from Wat Tai Wilai Tham (วัดใต้วิไลธรรม) in the same district. This image is representative of the local Isaan style, depicted in the maravijaya posture. The face of the image is round, the hair is finely curled and pointed like jackfruit thorns, and the halo is shaped like a tall cone. Distinctive features include thick slightly parted lips and a robe draped in the traditional style. The sangkaati, a flat monastic garment, extends down to the navel. Architecturally, the sim of Wat Trai Phum Khanachan exemplifies the traditional Isaan style. Constructed of brick and mortar, it stands on an elevated lotus base in a rectangular plan measuring 8.70 metres by 6.10 metres. The interior is divided into two rooms, each with a window on both sides, and the entrance is situated at the centre of the eastern wall. A porch extends from the front of the building, with a low enclosing wall that opens at the centre to allow access. The structure utilizes both walls and columns to support a single-tiered gable roof. The front columns are round and made of wood. The roof is clad with shingle panels, adorned with a ngoh (โหง่) or ngow (โหง่ว), an Isaan term for a chofa (fig.) that resembles a raised naga-head, as well as with a bai raka (fig.) that ends in an antefix in the form of a swan's tail and called hang hongse (fig.). The wooden pediment is vertically aligned, and the sarai ruang peung or honeycomb panel (fig.) above the entrance is elongated to reduce the space in front of the sim. This panel features intricate local Isaan-style wood carvings of floral vine motifs. Inside the sim, the walls are adorned with mural paintings that depict the life of the Buddha. Although executed in a local Isaan style, these murals imitate techniques and compositional arrangements found in central Thai mural art, particularly in the use of black outlining. The uniqueness of the sim lies in its decorative elements, especially the carved wooden honeycomb panels and the wall paintings that reflect central Thai artistic influence blended with local Isaan identity. Recognizing its cultural and historical significance, the Fine Arts Department officially registered Wat Traiphum Khanachan as an ancient monument in the Royal Gazette on 12 September 1997 when it also underwent its most recent renovation, while the chedi on the northern side was restored in 1998. Under Thai law, any trespass or damage to this ancient site is considered a legal offence. See also triphum and ajaan. 回