The Sacred Well at Wat Phuttha En

Wat Phuttha En, originally known as Wat Si Sutthawas, was established in 1868 (B.E. 2411). It received its official consecration on August 1, 1990 (B.E. 2533). The name "Phuttha En" derives from "Phuttha Eon" (meaning "Buddha calling"), based on a legend from the Buddha's time. It is said that the Buddha, accompanied by his disciples, visited this area and called for water to be brought to him. After drinking, he rinsed his mouth, and the water seeped into the ground, creating a spring that has flowed continuously ever since. Locals regard this as a sacred well, and the temple was named "Wat Phuttha Eon," later simplified to "Wat Phuttha En." Alternatively, the name "En" might originate from the Burmese word for "pond," as the temple features a chapel situated in the middle of a pond. The temple was initially called Wat Si Sutthawas En and is believed to have been founded by Phra Meku, with Khruba Tiwitha as the abbot. During the tenure of Khruba Thep as abbot, a viharn (assembly hall) was constructed. Later, Khruba Pinta built the water chapel, and under the leadership of Phra Athikan Kongchan, a stupa was erected in 1997 (B.E. 2540). The viharn at Wat Phuttha En is a single-story wooden structure of medium size, designed in the Lanna architectural style of Chiang Mai artisans. It features a rectangular floor plan with asymmetrical front and back sections, a distinctive characteristic of this style. The roof is tiered, with three layers at the front and two at the back, and extends low, especially at the front porch, where it dips below head height—a unique feature of Lanna viharns not commonly found in central Thailand. Originally, the viharn had murals believed to have been painted by the same artist who worked on Wat Pa Daet. However, during renovations in 1977 (B.E. 2520), the murals were repainted, leaving only a small original section above a rear door. The small, single-pane Lanna-style windows were also replaced with central Thai-style windows. The stupa at Wat Phuttha En is a Lanna-style structure with a circular design atop a square, indented base. It emphasizes a three-tiered garland motif, with a small bell-shaped stupa placed above the garland tiers. The ubosot (ordination hall) at Wat Phuttha En is a rare water chapel, an architectural style where the building is situated in the middle of a pond. This design uses water as the "sima" or boundary for monastic rituals, replacing the traditional stone markers placed around the ubosot. The water chapel is a small wooden structure with a gabled roof and a single-tiered design. It is a valuable example of traditional craftsmanship, representing a rare architectural style that the people of Mae Chaem take pride in and strive to preserve. A unique feature of this temple is the "Phuttha En Well," a sacred spring with clear, cool water that flows continuously from the ground, regardless of drought conditions. According to the temple's legend, during the Buddha's time, he stopped to rest at Don Sakan, located east of the current temple site. He called for Ananda, his attendant, to fetch water. After drinking, he rinsed his mouth at the spot where the well now stands. The spring has since become a source of water for the local community, who collect it daily for drinking and household use. The temple also features a historic teakwood viharn behind the ubosot, adorned with murals that, though faded, are said to be beautiful. Inside the viharn, visitors can pay respects to a carved wooden Buddha image. Behind the viharn stands a large stupa. Additionally, visitors can venerate the "Phra Chao Thanjai," a fast-granting Buddha image made of sandalwood. Common in Lanna temples, these images are believed to fulfill prayers quickly, making them a popular attraction for devotees.