Visiting & Discovering the Beauty of Chedi Maha Mongkol Bua - Roi Et - Thailand.

Visiting Chedi Maha Mongkol Bua in Roi Et province was a peaceful and meaningful experience. Surrounded by calm nature and beautiful architecture, the great golden chedi immediately creates a sense of serenity. Built to honor Luang Pu Maha Bua Naṇasampanno (also known as Luang Ta Maha Boowa), this sacred place is not only a religious landmark but also a center of faith and reflection. In this temples journey blog, I would like to share my experience and impressions from visiting one of the most important Buddhist sites in northeastern Thailand.

Luang Pu Maha Bua Naṇasampanno (1913–2011), was a highly respected Thai Buddhist monk in the Thai Forest Tradition. He was born in Udon Thani province, Thailand in year 1913. He became a monk and later studied and practiced meditation seriously under Luang Pu Mun Bhuridatta, one of Thailand’s greatest meditation masters. Luang Pu Maha Bua was known for his strict discipline, deep wisdom, and clear teachings on meditation and the mind. He taught that true happiness comes from understanding and letting go of attachment. He also played an important role in helping Thailand during the economic crisis in 1997, leading a national effort to collect gold and money to support the country. Luang Pu Maha Bua passed away in 2011 at the age of 97. His teachings continue to inspire many people, and Chedi Maha Mongkol Bua in Roi Et was built to honor his life and Dhamma teachings.

The golden Chedi Maha Mongkol Bua shines beautifully, and its reflection in the pond creates a calm and peaceful view. Seeing the reflection in the pond made the place feel quiet, pure, and deeply spiritual.

Visitors can pay respects at the memorial of Phra Dhammavissumongkol, Luang Ta Maha Bua Naṇasampanno, and enjoy a moment of relaxation by the calm pond nearby.

The magnificent golden lotus pagoda shines brightly when illuminated by sunlight. Chedi Maha Mongkol Bua is a magnificent and sacred landmark in Roi Et, known not only for its stunning golden architecture but also for its deep spiritual significance. What makes it truly unique is that it was the only chedi personally authorized by Luang Ta Maha Bua during his lifetime. He personally oversaw the preparation of the land, laid the foundation stone, and enshrined the Buddha’s relics, ensuring that every part of the chedi reflected his devotion and teachings. Surrounded by landscaped gardens and a calm pond that perfectly mirrors its golden spire, the chedi creates a serene atmosphere, inviting visitors to meditate, reflect, and pay their respects. Every corner of the chedi exudes peace, reverence, and inspiration, making it a truly unforgettable place to visit.

The chedi stands prominently with a golden exterior, surrounded by landscaped gardens and a calm pond, creating a sacred and peaceful atmosphere. It is divided into four levels, each with a special purpose:

1st floor: A room preserving Isan folk songs and local culture (stored digitally). 

2nd floor: A library and audio room with dhamma teachings and sermons by Luang Ta Maha Bua for reading and listening. 

3rd floor: A prayer and meditation area with a life‑like statue of Luang Ta Maha Bua. 

4th floor: The highest level holds the main Buddha image and statues of revered monks, along with sacred relics for devotion and respect.

The 3rd floor features a statue of the revered monk and serves as a meditation area for those seeking tranquility.

A statue of Phra Dhammavissumongkol, Luang Ta Maha Bua Naṇasampanno. He learned many important teachings from Phra Ajahn Mun Bhuridatta, his meditation master. The most important lesson was that real Buddhism is found through serious meditation practice, not only through study. Phra Ajahn Mun taught him to live with strict discipline, simplicity, and mindfulness. He learned to observe the mind carefully and to understand suffering, desire, and attachment through direct experience. Luang Ta Maha Bua also learned that enlightenment is possible in this life if a person practices with effort, patience, and determination. These teachings later became the foundation of his own Dhamma teachings.

The third floor of Chedi Maha Mongkol Bua is a quiet and sacred space where visitors can feel a deep connection to Luang Pu Maha Bua Naṇasampanno. Here, a life-like statue of Luang Pu Maha Bua greets visitors, serving as the centerpiece for paying respect and reflection. Surrounding the statue, you will find portraits that capture important moments of his life, from his early years as a monk to his time as a revered meditation master. In addition to the portraits, the floor displays some of Luang Pu Maha Bua’s personal belongings, carefully preserved to honor his legacy. These items give visitors a sense of his simple, disciplined lifestyle and his dedication to meditation and teaching. The peaceful atmosphere makes this floor perfect for meditation, quiet contemplation, and paying homage, allowing visitors to reflect on his wisdom and spiritual journey. The combination of statues, portraits, and personal items creates a deeply moving experience, reminding everyone of the life and teachings of one of Thailand’s most respected Buddhist masters.

Photo taken with portrait of Luang Pu Maha Bua. Luang Pu Maha Bua was one of the most important Buddhist monks in Thailand. He was a great meditation master in the Thai Forest Tradition and practiced strict discipline. He was a close disciple of Luang Pu Mun Bhuridatta and helped preserve his teachings. Luang Pu Maha Bua taught many monks and laypeople about meditation and the true nature of the mind. His Dhamma talks and books are widely studied in Thailand and other countries. In 1997, during Thailand’s economic crisis, he led the “Help the Nation” project by collecting gold and money to support the country. This showed his great compassion and leadership. Because of his contributions to Buddhism and society, Chedi Maha Mongkol Bua was built to honor his life and teachings.

View from the Chedi, the atmosphere within the temple is beautiful and serene. Far away with the wooden traditional Thai-style building.

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Revisited (BE2568) Wat PhaKho (Wat Ratchapraditsathan) ~ Somdet Chao Pha Kho LP Thuad - SongKhla - Thailand - (Part 2/2).

Having the opportunity to visit Wat Pha Kho again, one can truly appreciate why it is a place worth returning to. The atmosphere is both peaceful and refreshing, offering a spiritual and cultural retreat from everyday life.

This edition of our Temples Journey column presents a travel route tracing the history of Luang Pu Thuad in Sathing Phra, Songkhla. It is an ideal itinerary for those who love local cultural tourism or for devotees seeking to combine faith with learning, exploring the life, teachings, and sacred sites associated with this highly revered monk.

Visitors can experience not only the historical and architectural treasures of the temple but also the spiritual aura that has made Luang Pu Thuad a beloved figure for generations.

Wat PhaKho was originally built in 1514 and underwent major renovations in 1610. It was the residence of the highly revered monk Somdet Chao Pha Kho, also known as Luang Pu Thuad Yiap Nam Thalav Chuet, famous monk for walking on fresh water. Wat PhaKho is renowned for its rich history, spiritual significance, and architectural treasures. Chedi Phra Suwanna Malika (Chedi Sri Rattana Mahathat), a pagoda housing relics of the Buddha, built between BE2048–2100 with contributions from Phraya Damthamrongkasat (or Phraya Thammarangkhan) and monks who retrieved relics from Sri Lanka. The Chedi stands 40 meters high and is accompanied by a Wiharn (assembly hall), Ubosot (ordination hall), and Thammasala (sermon hall).

The magnificent Chedi Phra Suwanna Malika rises gracefully over the temple grounds, housing sacred relics of the Buddha brought from Sri Lanka. Its base is adorned with numerous venerated Phra Buddha statues, creating a serene and awe-inspiring atmosphere for devotees. This sacred structure symbolizes faith, devotion, and the enduring legacy of Thai Buddhist heritage.

Pay homage to Luang Pu Thuad Yieb Nam Talay Chuet at Wat Phakho, Somdet Chao Pha Kho (Luang Pu Thuad, who walking on fresh water).

This old Pavilion was built during the Ayutthaya period. During the reign of King Phra Kho, it was used as a place for oath of allegiance ceremony of the governer of Phatthalung and also as a place for settling legal cases at the time.

This sacred Lean Chedi was built alongside the Chedi Phra Suwanna Malika and carries a timeless moral lesson for future generations by story telling:

Long time ago, giants attempted to build Chedis to rival human construction. Humans, driven by faith and devotion, constructed the Chedi Phra Suwanna Malika. The giants, despite their strength, built their pagoda as well, but it could not stand as tall or as upright as the human-built one. Today, the giants’ Chedi appears smaller and leans to the ground — a lasting reminder that true strength comes from faith and sincerity, not just power or size.

This story embodies the Buddhist teaching that spiritual devotion and moral integrity outweigh mere physical might.

The sacred Ubosot ordination hall of Wat PhaKho in southern Thailand, showcasing traditional Thai Buddhist architecture with an ornate gabled roof, intricate gold and red decorations, and a peaceful temple atmosphere. At the front stands a powerful Tao Wessuwan guardian statue, furious and imposing, symbolizing protection.

Inside the main altar of the Ubosot at Wat PhaKho, showcasing a stunning golden altar adorned with intricate traditional Thai patterns. A majestic golden Phra Buddha sits at the center, radiating serenity, surrounded by gilded decorations, sacred ornaments, and red carpet floors.

Inside the ubosot (ordination hall) of Wat PhaKho. The interior features rich reddish and maroon decorations with traditional Thai Buddhist motifs and subtle gold accents. Rows of small Buddha statues are embedded along the walls, evenly spaced and serene. The atmosphere is sacred and peaceful, with soft natural light illuminating the hall, polished floors, and a sense of deep spiritual reverence. The Ubosot at Wat PhaKho is adorned with sacred ropes (Sai Sin) and Phayant tied above, used in ceremonial blessings to transmit merit and protection to devotees.

The stunning bell tower of Wat PhaKho, rising gracefully above the temple grounds, a symbol of faith, tradition, and timeless Thai Buddhist craftsmanship.

The Shrine for elephant tethering post (a tie-down post), believed to have belonged to the governor of Sathing Phra, was found in the Pang Lung area of Sathing Phra district by Mr.Charoon Kanjanaphen, who then presented it to Wat PhaKho.

Stunning Phra Pikanet statue in Wat PhaKho.

Banner invitation for Kathina event BE2568 at Wat PhaKho. We're invite to the Kathina robe offering ceremony at Wat PhaKho each year to join in making merit and preserving the Buddhist tradition.

A realistic photo taken at Wat PhaKho featuring revered Luang Pu Thuad (LP Thuad) statues.

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Revisited (BE2568) Wat PhaKho (Wat Ratchapraditsathan) ~ Somdet Chao Pha Kho LP Thuad - SongKhla - Thailand - (Part 1/2).

Somdet Chao Pha Kho (LP Thuad) is the most revered of the great monks of Southern Thailand, and for good reason. According to legend, a band of pirates once sailing near the coast noticed the monk walking along a hillside in his distinctive manner and decided to put him to the test. They abducted him and carried him aboard their ship, but as they attempted to sail away, the wind died and the vessel would not move. The pirates were forced to anchor for many days until their supply of fresh water was exhausted. Taking pity on them, Somdet Chao Pha Kho (LP Thuad) extended his left foot into the salty sea, which then miraculously turned into clean, drinkable fresh water. Amazed and deeply grateful, the pirates immediately returned him safely to shore. From that day onward, both the pirates and the local people paid homage to the venerable monk.

Phra Leela guardian figures at top of the stairway.

A long stairway leading from the main road up to Wat PhaKho on the hilltop.

Photo taken with statue of Somdet Chao Pha Kho ~ LP Thuad and Phra Phutthacharn Toh.

The surrounding landscape of Wat Phakho with the Phra Sivali statue.

Hall building for general assembly use by novice monks for learning and chanting.

Small Sala and Wiharn at Wat PhaKho.

The ancient well where the monk's robes were washed in the past.

The Gong and the baby Buddha statue with one hand pointing to the sky and the other to the earth depicts the legendary moment of Prince Siddhartha's birth, symbolizing his declaration of supreme spiritual attainment and universal guidance.

The Main Pavilion for Paying Respects to Luang Pu Thuad. Visitors to this temple will come to understand that Luang Pu Thuad is truly a spiritual center for the people of Southern Thailand and for devotees throughout the country. Paying respects here is an important and meaningful part of the visit.

Photo taken inside the Pavilion building and altar venerated LP Thuad statues.

The Buddha's Footprint is imprinted on a rock slab on Khao Phiphat Singh. It existed before the establishment of the temple, as shown by the area’s former name, Khao Phutthabat (Mountain of the Buddha’s Footprint). Later, local villagers came to believe that this footprint belonged to Somdet Chao Pha Kho (Luang Pu Thuad), who is said to have prayed and left the imprint for his descendants to venerate before departing from the temple.

A collection of photographs featuring Luang Pu Thuad statues in many different postures.

Amulet counter of Wat PhaKho.

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See more LP Thuad  amulets from Wat PhaKho at:

👉 http://thaiamulets-dhammapath.blogspot.com/search/label/Wat%20PhaKho?m=0

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See more other Thai amulets at:

👉 http://www.thaiamulets-dhammapath.blogspot.com/?m=0