Wat Taling Chan
(Respectable Places of Si Satchanalai)
Wat Taling Chan, founded in 1824 and granted the royal charter of the temple's boundary in 1830, is home to a chapel that is believed to have been constructed around 1826. Within the chapel, there are murals, likely over a century old, which were painted by local artists using natural colors. These murals depict the life story of the Buddha and the Ten Lives of the Buddha, as well as historical scenes such as the white elephant flag during King Rama VI's reign, trade activities, the arrival of foreign merchants, and the Drum Performing in Mangla Musical.
The centerpiece of the chapel is a large, ancient bronze Buddha image, one of only three in Sukhothai Province. The other two are Luang Pho To, Wat Cheng Khiri, Si Satchanalai District, and Phra Phuttha Rueang Rit, Wat Sawang Arom Worawihan. This Buddha image, measuring 3 cubits wide is the third largest, which was initially thought to be made of stucco, leading to it not being registered as an antique. However, further investigation revealed its origins during the period of Mueang Wichian Chai Sat, which preceded the 5th city's name of Mueang Chaliang before being changed to Mueang Si Satchanalai, Mueang Chiang Chuen, Mueang Sawankhalok, and Mueang Wiset Chai Sat respectively. Later, the name was Phra Si Mueang Wicset Chai Sat.
The centerpiece of the chapel is a large, ancient bronze Buddha image, one of only three in Sukhothai Province. The other two are Luang Pho To, Wat Cheng Khiri, Si Satchanalai District, and Phra Phuttha Rueang Rit, Wat Sawang Arom Worawihan. This Buddha image, measuring 3 cubits wide is the third largest, which was initially thought to be made of stucco, leading to it not being registered as an antique. However, further investigation revealed its origins during the period of Mueang Wichian Chai Sat, which preceded the 5th city's name of Mueang Chaliang before being changed to Mueang Si Satchanalai, Mueang Chiang Chuen, Mueang Sawankhalok, and Mueang Wiset Chai Sat respectively. Later, the name was Phra Si Mueang Wicset Chai Sat.
Wat Taling Chan also plays a significant role in upholding the tradition of offering Kathina robes on the boat Sangkhet or Sala Sangkhet, a small gabled house, is used to transport the Kathina robes, while Sala, is a boat, use in the Sangket. The annual tradition involves the community coming together to prepare for the Sangkhet procession, including crafting and decorating the Sangkhet with flowers, garlands, and colorful flags. The procession takes place on the 7th day of the waxing moon of the 12th lunar month, In the Sangkhet boat procession, there would be singing and dancing to create fun. The Sangkhet boat procession starts from the pier in front of Wat Taling Chan, north to Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat or Wat Phra Prang, then back south to Wat Tha Koi or the edge of the village so that the villagers can join in making merit. When the Sangkhet boat procession returns to the temple, there are activities such as boat races, the traditional sea boxing sport, speedboat races, and on the 8th day of the waxing moon of the 12th lunar month, the Kathina robe offering ceremony and almsgiving are held in celebration of Kathina in the morning.
Wat Taling Chan also plays a significant role in upholding the tradition of offering Kathina robes on the boat Sangkhet or Sala Sangkhet, a small gabled house, is used to transport the Kathina robes, while Sala, is a boat, use in the Sangket. The annual tradition involves the community coming together to prepare for the Sangkhet procession, including crafting and decorating the Sangkhet with flowers, garlands, and colorful flags. The procession takes place on the 7th day of the waxing moon of the 12th lunar month, In the Sangkhet boat procession, there would be singing and dancing to create fun. The Sangkhet boat procession starts from the pier in front of Wat Taling Chan, north to Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat or Wat Phra Prang, then back south to Wat Tha Koi or the edge of the village so that the villagers can join in making merit. When the Sangkhet boat procession returns to the temple, there are activities such as boat races, the traditional sea boxing sport, speedboat races, and on the 8th day of the waxing moon of the 12th lunar month, the Kathina robe offering ceremony and almsgiving are held in celebration of Kathina in the morning.