Wat Chulamani

“Wat Chulamani” is one of the oldest temples in Phitsanulok Province. It is believed to be the location of the old Phitsanulok Town. According to the history of this temple, King Trailokkanat built this temple and was ordained here for 8 months and 15 days. There were 2,348 courtiers who were ordained to follow him.Many ancient buildings and objects that are important in Buddhism such as “Buddha’s footprint model” in an ancient Kmer pagoda with obvious swan stacco decoration at the pagoda’s base and “stone inscription” buried in a wall of the square hall with a pyramidal roof. Now the inscription was covered with mirror for preservation. It was built due to the idea of King Narai.Moreover, there is also “the old monastery”, a hall building in Ayutthaya art style. It is similar to the monastery of Wat Racha Burana. There are also various important Buddha statues in the temple.”Luang Pho Khaw” is a Buddha statue in the position of subduing Mara in Ayutthaya art style. It is located hehind the old monastery Somdet Phra Maha Samana Chao Krom Phraya Vajirananavarorasa brought the statue from Moon Din Inthraram in a military camp.”Luang Pho Kong” is a Buddha statue in the position of subduing Mara in Sukhothai art style. The former location was collapsed. Local people therefore built a small monastery to locate this statue.”Luang Pho Dam” is a black Buddha statue in the position of subduing Mara in Ayutthaya art style. Local people brought it from Wat Joong Nang by boat was broken. Kru Tiw Buranaket repaired the statue. Now it is located in the small monastery with Luang Pho Kong.”Luang Pho Phet” is a sandstone Buddha statue sitting cross-legged on a base. King Trailokkanat, the king of Sri Sachanalai who was ordained here built this statue. Later, the statue was broken. The former abbot therefore covered the broken area with cement. When the cement cracked, the face and the hands of the statue were broken. People therefore repaired the statue. The statue therefore looks similar to Chiang Saen art style. The eyes and the knot of the statue were decorated with diamonds. Thus, people called this statue “Laung Pho Phet”. However, the diamonds was stolen. Nowadays, people still preserve the statue.To travel to Wat Chulamani, from the railway station, go straight to the clock tower, Boroma Trailokkanat Road, and then the Public Road No. 1063. Passing Macro Department Store Phitsanulok Branch, the temple is on the right hand side.