Tilok Aram Temple ‘Have you ever seen a temple in the middle of water before?’
You may have been to temples on the ground for your whole life. How about switching to a temple in the middle of water instead?
Let’s get to this one, Tilok Aram Temple, a temple in Phayao that is located in the middle of fresh lake of Kwan Phayao.
Tilok Aram Temple is over 500 years old. It was even established before Kwan Phayao. It has been drowned under the lake all long until nowadays. The only part of the temple that emerges from the water surface is the brick chedi. The rest parts can’t be seen.
In 2006, Kwan Phayao was explored. The expedition were interested in the the brick chedi, which was called ‘San That Klang Nam’ before. Then, a year later, the expedition, along with Phra Dhamma Wimol Moli, the principle monk, explored the area again, in order to find some way to transform the chedi into a great tourist attraction. That was where everything started. A month after that, Phayao’s governor and villagers went to the chedi in the middle of water and started to develope it, from getting rid of weed to strengthening the architecture.
The interesting part is, a sand tablet was found during the renovation. The tablet was carved with Thai Fak Kham alphabets. And that tablet was the thing that told the story of the temple. It said, the templet was built in the period of Phra Chao Tilokratch, a king of Lanna. It was built during 1476-1486 , in an honour of the king. Now, the tablet is s
The former location of Tilok Aram Temple is Buak Si Chaeng, which is a swamp near an intersection. For your information, Wat Tilok Aram was once located near an intersection near Nhong Tao. Nong Tao is an ancient community. In 1939, Department of Fisheries built concrete gated to block the water from Nam Mae Ing and other rivers from Phee Pan Nam. That caused the ancient community and the temple to sink to the bottom of the large fresh lake, which is Kwan Phayao, of course. And that’s how Tilok Aram Temple has been underwater.
The former location of Tilok Aram Temple is Buak Si Chaeng, which is a swamp near an intersection. For your information, Tilok Aram Temple was once located near an intersection near Nhong Tao. Nong Tao is an ancient community. In 1939, Department of Fisheries built concrete gated to block the water from Nam Mae Ing and other rivers from Phee Pan Nam. That caused the ancient community and the temple to sink to the bottom of the large fresh lake, which is Kwan Phayao, of course. And that’s how Tilok Aram Temple has been underwater.
Although the temple may not be very large, but it’s surely an interesting temple with many traditions that you can join. The first tradition is ‘Wian Tian’. Wian means ‘go around’ and tian means ‘candle’. Wian Tian is a tradition that you hold candles in your hands and go around some holy thing. At Tilok Aram Temple, Wiang Tian will be done by holding candles, being on a boat, and using boat to go around the brick lot and the pagoda. The tradition will be held on 3 occassions: Makha Bucha, Wisakha Bucha, and Asalaha Bucha. This is a very good activity that get you closer to Buddhism. Beside, it switchs from Wian Tian on the ground to Wian Tian on water surface.
The atmosphere around the temple is quite peaceful. There is a small Lord Buddha statue on a wooden platform, which you shoukd pay respect to and make a wish. No matter it is your birthday, your love anniversary, or just your holiday, paying respect to a holy thing will fresh up your mind and you will be far away from stress.
Beside, you can still have a sightseeing and take a walk around Kwan Phayao. Sit in a restaurant and order your favourite dishes. Then just find some nice angles to take photos. No need to rush yourself. Just give yourself some time to relax and stay close to nature and all these sweat and clean surroundings.
It’s a good place to go with your family, friends, and your love one.
How to get there
Tilok Aram Temple is located in Kwan Phayao, Wiang District, Muang County, Phayao Province.
Just get there by getting into the heart of Phayao first. Try to look for the road of Pratoochai and Phahonyothin. Keep going straight. Then, when you see Kasikorn Bank, just turn left. Follow Ta Kwan Road until you reach Kwan Phayao. Then you can get to the temple by hiring a boat for about 20 Baht. Or you may just hire a motorbike, a bus, or any other public vehicle to give you a ride instead.
Tilok Aram Temple Map
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