#Wat Klang Bangkaew

Wat Klang Bang Kaew is located at the mouth of Khlong Bang Kaew, Pak Nam Subdistrict, Nakhon Chai Si District, Nakhon Pathom Province. It was originally called Wat Kongkaram. People in the Nakhon Chai Si area often call it Wat Klang. Wat Klang Bang Kaew is an ancient temple built since the Ayutthaya period or the end of the U Thong period. From the condition of the ancient objects in the temple, such as the ordination hall, the sema stone pillars, and the chapel, as well as the red sandstone Buddha image, which is the principal Buddha image in the ordination hall, which is Luang Pho To, Wat Klang Bang Kaew has been continuously renovated and rebuilt. If we look at the overall condition, we can assume that it was a prosperous temple in the past because there are many permanent objects that show that they have been continuously built and renovated, such as the murals in the ordination hall and the golden teak murals inside the Ho Trai, which are very beautiful, showing the craftsmanship of craftsmen in the early Rattanakosin period. Interesting things in the temple The Ho Trai is located next to the bell tower. It is a Thai-style building with the upper part slightly tapering towards the center. Along the southern wall, the pond, where the library is located, is 10.4 meters wide and 14 meters long. It is clear that this pond was dug specifically for the library. The four walls are tightly covered with bricks around it, unlike some other places that have a large pond and the library is part of it. However, this pond is just the right size for the library. Inside this library, in the past, the temple's scriptures and palm leaf manuscripts were stored in five lacquerware cabinets and some antiques, which were rather dense and untidy. At present, the temple has brought the scriptures and palm leaf manuscripts to be displayed in an orderly manner in the Phra Phutthawithi Nayok Museum, which is a large building in front of the library. The library is currently being cleaned to keep it in the best condition and to extend its life. Phra Phutthawithi Nayok Museum It is divided into 3 floors: The first floor displays the history and belongings of Luang Pu Boon and Luang Pu Pluem, amulets, sacred objects and Buddha images of Luang Pu. Another section is devoted to Thai medicines, herbs, medicines, astrological calendars written by Luang Pu, statues and photographs of Luang Pu. There are also palm leaf manuscripts, palm leaf books, astrology texts, Thai medicine texts, and Phra Malai picture books. The second floor displays ceramics, bowls, cut glass, brassware, and Luang Pu Boon's pearl pulpit, which was built and presented by Her Royal Highness Princess Athitthip Apha, the regent of King Rama VIII. The third floor displays silver Buddhas and carved wooden Buddha statues, an old carved wooden pulpit covered in lacquer and gold, and Luang Pu's old hut, which was reassembled in its original form to house a wax figure of Luang Pu, just like when he was still alive. ***The museum is open every Thursday - Sunday and public holidays from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Admission is 20 baht for adults and 10 baht for students (for group visits, a letter of advance contact must be sent to the abbot of Wat Klang Bang Kaew).