Phra That Kham Kaen
“Great stupa of tamarind heartwood”
Khon Kaen province
The Phra That Kham Kaen is an important and highly revered chedi for local people, since it is believed to contain relics of the Buddha. The town of Khon Kaen derives its name from the chedi, which is depicted on Khon Kaen’s provincial seal.
Guarded by two lions
The Phra That Kham Kaen chedi is located on the grounds of the Wat Chetiyaphum temple. Other buildings on the grounds include an ubosot (ordination hall) and a viharn (assembly hall). The entrance to the viharn is guarded by two white lions. The top ends of the multi tiered roofs are adorned with golden chofah, ornamental elements that represent the mythological bird Garuda.
The ubosot is a small and simple structure with a beautifully painted front gable. Its entrance is flanked by two multi tiered ceremonial umbrellas.
Phra That Kham Kaen fair
During the Phra That Kham Kaen fair, an annual festival on the full moon day of the 6th lunar month, local people make merit and pay homage to the chedi. Several cultural and musical performances are held.
The Laotian style chedi
Although its construction date is unknown, the Phra That Kham Kaen chedi is believed to be the first structure that was build in the area, even before the founding of Khon Kaen town. The golden, Laos style chedi topped with a multi tiered ceremonial umbrella sits on a square stone base.
Phra That Kham Kaen, which translates to “Great stupa of tamarind heartwood” derives its name from the legend of the dead tamarind tree.
The legend of the dead tamarind tree
According to legend a Khmer King ordered relics of the Buddha to be enshrined in the chedi of the Wat Phra That Phanom in Nakhon Phanom province, which was being constructed at the time.
A group of monks carrying the relics traveled to the Wat Phra That Phanom and stayed overnight near the stump of a dead tamarind tree on which the relics were placed. The next day the monks continued their travels. When they arrived at the Wat Phra That Phanom however, they found that the chedi had already been completed and the monks returned home. When they arrived at the spot where they had stayed overnight earlier, they found that the dead tamarind tree miraculously was blooming again, growing branches and leaves. Seeing this, they decided to build a chedi over the stump and enshrine the relics in the newly build chedi.
How to get to the Phra That Kham Kaen
The Wat Chetiyaphum is located in Ban Kham village, Nam Phong district, about 20 kilometers Northeast of Khon Kaen town. The easiest way to get there would be by private car. Most of the larger hotels will be able to book one.
Opening hours
The temple grounds can be visited daily during daylight hours.
Entrance fee
Admission is free.