The Role and the Importance of Wat Ratchaphaditsatana (Wat Pha Kho) for Surrounding Communities

Abstract

This research aimed to study the history, the role and the importance of Wat Ratchaphaditsatana (Wat Pha Kho) for surrounding communities at the present time. The method used in this research was qualitative research and historical research by collecting from document and field data. The study area was Wat Ratchaphaditsatana and surrounding communities, moo 5 and moo 6, Tambol Chompol, Ampur Satingpra, Songkhla Province.

The result found that there was no concrete evidence of the temple's construction. The history of temple was related to Luang Pho Thuat Yiap Nam Tha-le Chuet, the most reverend monk in the south. In the past, Wat Ratchaphaditsatana plays an important role in religion including governance. Also, the temple was the center of community of Songkhla Lake Basin in the east coast. Therefore, people in communities depend on the temple which seems like a big house for all. Although the living conditions in society are changed, Wat Ratchaphaditsatana can modify the role as the model for community development, education, propagate religion, and promote tradition and rite. As a result, belief and faith that people express to Wat Ratchaphaditsatana does not change.