Wat Nong Bua or Prathat
Nong Bua, วัดหนองบัว หรือ วัดผระธาตูหนองบัว, is a temple located in Ubon Ratchathani. The temple is famous for having the only example in Thailand of a Buddhagaya-style stupa.
The stupa, Phra That Chedi Si Maha Pho, พระธาตุเจดีย์ศรีมหาโพธิ์นั้น, consists of a central stupa with a smaller stupa at each corner of the compound wall. This
style of stupa with a small golden chedi on top is named for Maha Bhothi
Wihan at a famous temple in Buddhagaya India (also
spelled Buddha Gaya, Buddha Khaya and Bodh Gaya), the holy birth place of
the Lord Buddha. Within the central stupa, are several important
Buddha images. The stupa also features local Isan arts. On the
four corners of the pagoda base are garuda sculptures below a seven-headed
naga. There are also Mara figures below eight monk figures.
These motifs are repeated on all four sides. Above the monk figures
are identical sculptures of the Lord Buddha's ten incarnations. Above
that level are sculptures of Buddha images in different attitudes
corresponding to the Kanok pattern The temple hall is built with a
three-sided gable style with a beautifully decorated arc-shaped roof and
houses a Reclining Buddha image. In 2009, the stupas were being refurbished with a new coat of paint and guilding and workmen were still putting on some finishing touches. The landscaping had not been started at the time the photos were taken.
