Pattaya Buddhists raised more than 4 million baht for a wax museum during a Kathin robes ceremony at Chaimongkol Temple.
Rungroj and Suporn Rattanachet from the LK Group of hotels presented the robes in the name of HM the King to local dean of monks Thepchol Thanmunee and Chaimongkol Abbott Pisan Jariyaphiwat Nov. 6 at the South Pattaya temple.
The solemn ceremony took place after the LK executives petitioned the Royal Household to receive golden fabric from HM the King to present to monks at a royally designated temple. Before handing over the robes, Suporn was required to recite a message from HM the King, “The Kathin Robe and the entire Anisong robe, Phrabat Somdej Phra Paramindra Maha Bhumibol Adulyadej Mahitaladhibet Ramadhibodi Chakrinarubodindara Sayamindaradhiraj Boromanatbophit had bestowed inestimable kindness by requesting myself to present the robes to monks, who had completed three months of Buddhist Lent in this temple, to accept the Royal Kathin Robe to complete the Kathin ceremony as permitted by Lord Buddha.”
Before presenting the Kathin robes at Wat Chaimongkol, Suporn Rattanchet recites a royal message from HM the King.
Those attending the ceremony made merit by offering donations to Chaimongkol Temple totaling 4.03 million baht, which will be used to create a museum of wax figures depicting famous monk teachers. Temple leaders estimate their project will cost 19 million baht.
Sixteen temples around Thailand have been honored with robes donated by HM the King, most of which are in Bangkok. In addition to Kathin, basic necessities and utensils also are donated.
The Kathin ceremony is held on the first night of the 11th lunar month, continuing for two weeks. It traces its origins back to Lord Buddha’s days, when he allowed monks traveling from Pathai to Chetavan Mahavihar to accept new robes after lent, replacing wet and worn clothes they’d worn for the journey.
