| Wat Si Khom Kham | |
| Map Type: | Thailand |
| Location: | Phayao, Phayao Province |
| Coordinates: | 19.1767°N 99.8897°W |
| Religious Affiliation: | Theravada Buddhism |
| Country: | Thailand |
| Year Completed: | 12th century |
Wat Si Khom Kham (th| วัดศรีโคมคำ) is a Buddhist temple (wat) in Phayao town, Phayao Province, Thailand. The temple hosts the largest Chiang Saen era Buddha statue in the country.[1] Wat Si Khom Kham is located on the shores of Phayao Lake.
The founding of Wat Si Khom Kham dates to sometime in the 12th century.[2] The present structure was completed in 1923.[1] The central large Buddha statue was cast during the years 1491 to 1524.[3]
The temple's wihan hosts a high, wide Buddha statue (Phra Chao Ton Luang) in the angular local style of the 15th and 16th centuries.[1] [4] Surrounding the wihan are 38 Buddha heads, some cast in the local Phayao pink sandstone, dating from the 14th century.[2] [5]
Another temple wihan has been built on stilts over the lake. It hosts murals painted by Thai artist Angkarn Kalayanapong. The murals are in Lanna style with some contemporary features.[4]
Legend has it that the site for Wat Si Khom Kham was chosen by the Buddha himself. While he was seeking shelter from the sun, a tree grew miraculously on this spot from a seed planted by a bird.[4]