Wat Si Bunrueang
Wat Si Bunrueang Wat Si Bunrueang is located at the heart of Mueang Mae Sariang, next to Wat Jong Sung, with fences clearly dividing the space from each other. The temple was built in 2807, originally named “Wat Mak Kaeng”, but later changed into “Wat Si Bunrueang” in 1947. It is a beautiful temple. The pavillion, and the Wihan have adorable perforated designs with a blended artistic style of Greek and Mon. Wat Si Bunrueang is an ancient temple, with Phra Khru Anusorn Panyakhun (Khemarin) as the present abbot. The temple holds the Novice Ordination Ceremony (Poi Sang Long) for the tribe youth to study Buddhism, and basic subjects according to the national educational standard with help of the faithful supporters. Moreover, in the temple area, there are messages, moral mottos, and Lord Buddha’s proverbs (in Thai and English version) seen everywhere. This allows the interested visitors to educate themselves as if these message signs were speaking to them on behalf of the temple. This kind of temple is quite rare to find nowadays. Therefore, Wat Si Bunrueang is one of the intriguing temples in Mae Sariang, which definitely shouldn’t be missed. The followings are the temple’s features; 1.A Large Pavilion built in Thai Yai Architectural style, with Superimposed Roofs: It has been used as the viharn, monk’s dwelling, and the sermon hall. Inside, there are the mural paintings depicting the story of Vessandorn Jataka (the last life before he was born Sithata and became a Buddha). There are altogether 12 episodes. The work was created by Burmese craftsmen. 2.Phra Ubosot: Due to the limited space of the site, Phra Ubosot was not quite large. Its roof was beautifully perforated. Inside enshrines a huge principle Buddha image in Burmese style. The ubosot is occasionally opened for visitors. 3.A White Jade Buddha Image: The statue is the biggest jade Buddha image in Thailand. It was built in 2006 to commemorate the world’s longest period of his Majesty the King’s accession to the throne. The Buddha image is 6 feet 9 inches high, with a 48 inch pedestal. It was carved from Mandalay in Myanmar, then brought to Wat Si Bunrueang in Thailand.
