Wat Sangkat Rattana Khiri, Chainat

The temple is located on Tha Chang Road, Nam Suem Subdistrict, at the foothill of Khao Sakae Krang. Enshrined in the main hall is Phra Phuttha Mongkhon Saksit, one of the province’s most sacred Buddha images. Historically, during the reign of King Rama I smaller Buddha images were graciously distributed throughout the country, with Uthai Thani receiving three. These images were transported downstream to the Phra Pier (opposite the Provincial People’s Assembly Hall of Uthai Thani) and enshrined at Wat Khwit. One of these Buddha images is notably large with lap width of 1.5 metres in the attitude of Subduing Mara, created during the reign of Phraya Lithai, skillfully crafted by artisans from Sukhothai. Subsequently, when Wat Khwit was merged with Wat Thung Kaeo , this Buddha image was relocated to Wat Sangkat Rattana Khiri. A ceremony was held to enshrine the revered relics in the Buddha image’s head, in which was bestowed the name ” Phuttha Mongkhon Saksit, Adjacent to Wat Sangkhatarnkiri’s courtyard, 449 steps lead to the summit of Khao Sakae Krang, where a replica of the Lord Buddha’s Footprint is enshrined. This replica was transferred from Wat Chantaram in 1905.  At the forefront stands a large sacred bell constructed in 1900 by Phra Palat Chai and the locals. It is a symbol of unity and collaboration among the people of Uthai Thani.  In another corner of the temple, there is the statue of Somdet Phrapathom Borom Mahachanoknat, the King Rama I’s father. King Rama I, the first king and founder of the Chakri Dynasty Rattanakosin period after serving as a senior officer Phra Aksornsattanasat of the Interior Department and Chao Phraya Chakri Si Ongkharak in Ayutthaya period, established his father’s cremains as a Royal Father title in 1795. From the summit, one can enjoy a vast panoramic view of Uthai Thani province. Additionally, an annual ceremony to pay homage to this royal monument on April 6th, coinciding with the time when the