Mahawanaram Temple or Big Forest Temple, Ubon Ratchathani Province

Wat Mahawanaram or Wat Pa Yai in Ubon Ratchathani Province is an ancient temple that is considered a royal temple in Ubon Ratchathani Province. Inside the temple is the enshrined image of Phra Chao Yai Inpang, the Buddha image that is a symbol of Ubon Ratchathani. It was originally called Wat Pa Luang Mani Choti Si Sawat, later called Wat Pa Yai. It was founded in 1779 and its name was changed to Wat Mahawanaram in 1941 until today. It received the royal charter on November 8, 1971 during the time when Field Marshal Thanom Kittikachorn was the Prime Minister. It was elevated to a royal temple on May 31, 1978. According to the stone inscription buried on the pedestal behind Phra Chao Yai Inpang, it was built 41 years after the city of Ubon was founded. It was built by Phra Phrom Worarach Suriyawong (Thao Thit Phrom Suwannakut), the second city lord. Two years after the temple was built, Phra Maha Ratchakhru Si Satthamwongsa The abbot and his disciples jointly built a Buddha statue as the main figure and representative of the Lord Buddha, named Phra Chao Inthaplang, which means “Phra In transformed himself.” The Isan people call it “Phra Chao Yai Inthaplang,” which means “Phra In created,” both of which are auspicious names. #WorldHeritage #HistoricalSightseeing #NorthIsanTeam #MissingTheForestsAndMountains #OurHeartsAreAtTheSea