Wat Sri Ubontarararam, formerly known as Wat Sri Thong, is a Theravada Buddhist temple located to the south of the Ubon Ratchathani provincial hall on Uparach Road. It was established during the Year of the Rabbit in 1855, corresponding to the 74th year of the Rattanakosin Era and the 5th year of King Rama IV of the Chakri Dynasty. This temple features an ubosot built in the style of the Benjamabophit Temple in Bangkok and houses the sacred statue of Phra Kaew Busarakham, a symbol of both the temple and city. The original site of the temple was a garden belonging to Phra Upahattho (the ancestor of the Na Ubon lineage), who generously donated approximately 25 rai of land for the establishment of this new Buddhist monastic community, formed at the end of the reign of King Rama III. The donation to the temple was performed in the presence of monks, designating the land as property of the Buddhist faith. On that night, a miraculous vision was witnessed as a golden light illuminated the garden, which was interpreted as an auspicious omen, leading to the temple being named "Wat Sri Thong." The first abbot was Phra Thewatthummikhun (Mao), who began constructing the monk's quarters, assembly hall, and other buildings in 1855. According to history, Phra Thewatthummikhun studied Buddhist scriptures in Bangkok since his novice years and served as an esteemed advisor to King Rama IV during his ordination. He played a significant role in establishing the Theravada Buddhist order at Wat Supattanaram, the first Theravada temple in Northeastern Thailand, with Phra Phanthulo (Di) as its first abbot. Consequently, Phra Thewatthummikhun was regarded with great respect by monks, government officials, and the general populace of that era. Later, in 1968, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Her Majesty Queen Sirikit came to celebrate the consecration ceremony and the installation of the ceremonial roof of the ubosot at Wat Sri Ubontarararam. The ubosot was then placed under the royal patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Ubon Rattana Rajakanya and the name was officially changed from Wat Sri Thong to Wat Sri Ubontarararam in her honor. Wat Sri Ubontarararam has served as a venue for the ordination of numerous senior monks from both the Kanjira and Vipassana sects, including revered figures such as Phra Upali Kunupama, Somdet Phra Mahavira Wong, Phra Ajahn Tha Chotipala, Phra Ajahn Sao Kantasila, and Phra Ajahn Mun Bhuridatta. Phra Kaew Busarakham is a icon of the Buddha in the Mara Vijaya pose, carved from Busarakham glass, measuring 3 inches across and standing 5 inches tall from the pedestal to the flame above the head. Its exquisite beauty embodies the ideal Buddhist traits. According to legend, Phra Warachak Phakdee (Phra Wo) along with his descendants, who founded the city of Ubon, brought Phra Kaew Busarakham from Sri Satthanakhet (Vientiane). Initially, the statue was enshrined at Ban Don Mod Daeng before being relocated to Wat Sri Ubontarararam later. During the period of absolute monarchy, official ceremonies were held at Wat Sri Ubontarararam, where Phra Kaew Busarakham was venerated, regarded as a sacred statue embodying the spirit of the home and city since ancient times. Today, during the annual Songkran festival, the people of Ubon Ratchathani come together to parade Phra Kaew Busarakham around the city, allowing devotees to pay their respects, make merit, and participate in the ceremonial water pouring.