Wat Khao Di Salak

Wat Khao Di Salak is located in Mu 5 in the district of Donka merely 8 kilometers away from U Thong. The temples’ significant attraction is the imitation of Lord Buddha’s footstep where, in 1992, Mr. Baanhan Silpa-acha had the office of Fine Arts observe and study the piece. Later, the results had come to be that the reproduction of Lord Buddha’s footstep at Wat Khao Di Salak is possibly from the same era as another, which is in Saraburi. The department of Fine Arts then listed it as a national antique and built a fine peak-toped roof sheltering the treasure. Besides, there was also a road built along the hill leading to Wat Khao Di Salak, a newly established tourist attraction. In 1999, Princess Sirindhorn had attended the opening ceremony.The footstep itself is constructed out of red sandstone tiles shaped into a rectangle with tiny lotus petals spread around it. The toes aren’t leveled out, but each has got 2 joints; the first sections have got the volute pattern, which was influenced by the mahabut-laksana scripture or also known as the mahaparit-lukana limned in the patom-sompot-ghata in Bali and the lilit-visuth scripture in Sanskrit. The second section of the toe is engraved with a coiled leaf pattern similar to the Dvaravati art form, seen in stuccos. Incidentally, the reproduction of Lord Buddha’s print during the Dvaravati era has got its own uniqueness; formed into a small Thammachak shape (wheel) consisting of 16 smaller wheels in the middle of the foot surrounded by 108 auspicious symbols. The Dvaravati reproductions of Buddha’s foot is curved out its base, its measurements are 65.5 centimeters by 141.5 centimeters. It is likely to be from the 14th -16th Buddhist Era. In addition, there is also a cave in the temple where a Buddha image is placed in its centre and many other ancient objects found.For those who are interested in visiting Wat Khao Di Salak follow highway 340 and take a left turn on route 357 (just before arriving Supan Buri city centre). Continue for 10 kilometers and turn left onto Malai Maen Street (321). Travel on Malai Maen Street for 21 kilometers, heading towards U Thong. On arriving at U Thong junction, take a right turn. The temple entrance is to the right, 3 kilometers after the junction. At the temple entrance gate, continue for another 10 kilometers until you see a hill track. Drive ahead on the track until reaching the peak of the mountain. For further enquiries please contact 0 3542 1444 or 08 1197 4974.