Wat Pa Wiwek Watthanaram or Wat Luangpu Cham

Wat Pa Wiwek Watthanaram or Wat Luangpu Cham, is situated in Ban Huai Sai, Tambon Kham Cha-i, on the roadside of Highway No. 2042
(Mukdahan–Kalasin). Luangpu Cham Maha Punyowas one of the Master Monks who had a full rigour of the Buddhist Monk’s Discipline. He
also strictly practiced Vipassana meditation, as well as the Buddha’s Eight-fold Path. This Master Monk passed away on 19 January, 2013, at the
age of 104 years old. The autobiography and teachings of Luangpu Cham are displayed in the exhibition sectionsurrounded by a shady atmosphere.
The distinctive construction of this temple is a 5-pinnacle Chedi Bu Thong Kitti, with a 13-metre-wide and 13-metre-high base and a height of 45 metres from base to the top. Applied art was used to construct this Chedi in Wat Phutthaisawan 1987 to enshrine the relics of the Buddhaand
his disciples who are Arhats (a monk who has gained insight into the true nature of existence and has achieved Nirvana); namely, Phra Siwali (Sivali), Phra Uppakhut (Upakut), and Phra Ongkhuliman (Angulimalaya).On Magha Puja Day and Buddhist Lent Day of every year, a big Buddha bathing ceremony is organised.To get there: From Amphoe Kham Cha-i, follow Highway No. 12 (Kham Cha-i – Somdet) until passing the Wat Luangpu Cham Mahapunyo Banhuaisai rasprasong School, which is located on the left side of the road, for about 1 kilometre.The entrance of Wat Pa Wiwek Watthanaram will be seen on the right side of the road. The total distance from Amphoe Kham Cha-i is around 7 kilometres.