The public can now pay their respects to Chaimongkol Temple’s founding abbot after monks opened a Buddhist chedi (stupa) stone transported from Koh Larn decades ago.
Standing 12 meters tall and 5 meters wide, the bell-shaped stone contains a statue of Provost Viboon Sangkhakan, who served from 1937 until his death in 1982. The outside of the bell is sculpted to appear covered in clams and black waves.
A statue of Provost Viboon Sangkhakan, who served from 1937 until his death in 1982, sits inside the monument.
The monument is surrounded by 108 hanging bells, all of which are inscribed with “Jinapañjara Gth,” the victor’s cage.
Viboon and followers moved the stone template for the chedi from Koh Larn to the temple, where it has been held in private since.
As part of Chaimongkol’s ongoing renovations, which coincide with its designation as an honorary royal temple, current abbot Pisan Jariyaphat Phra Aaramlaung had work completed on the chedi and brought out for public worship.
It is said if a person throws a coin into the hole of the provost’s statue, he will meet with prosperity. However, monks discourage coin-throwing, as it may damage the minerals in the stone. Instead, they’ve placed a donation box nearby.
The monument is surrounded by 108 hanging bells.
