The Memorial Hall of Phra Mongkolthepmuni

The Memorial Hall of Phra Mongkolthepmuni (Sodh Candasaro)

The Vanquisher of Mara
This memorial hall must be enduring, lasting at least a thousand years, reflecting the profound achievement of the one who discovered the Dhammakaya. The design of the hall should be timeless, ensuring that whether in the present or a thousand years into the future, it remains valuable and relevant throughout the ages.

Luang Por Dhammajayo

The Origins of the Memorial Hall of Phra Mongkolthepmuni (Sodh Candasaro)

2459 years after the Buddha’s Parinirvana, Phra Mongkolthepmuni (Sodh Candasaro), the revered abbot of Wat Pak Nam, risked his life to pursue inner stillness along the Middle Way. Through his dedicated practice, he discovered the “Dhammakaya” and deeply explored the ” Vijja Dhammakaya.” He also taught the method of “stilling the mind” at the “Center of the Body” to attain the “Dhammakaya,” with the timeless teaching that “stillness is the key to success.” Without his guidance, it is uncertain how long humanity would have had to wait to discover the path to liberation from the cycle of suffering and achieve true happiness through the realization of the “Dhammakaya.” His contributions are thus considered of immense significance to all of humankind.

The Memorial Hall of Phra Mongkolthepmuni is a sacred site dedicated to housing a golden statue of Phra Mongkolthepmuni (Sodh Candasaro), Rediscoverer of Vijja Dhammakaya. This hall is situated on a 2,000 rai (approximately 3,200,000 square meters) area, located to the south of the World Center of Dhammakaya.

The design of the Memorial Hall symbolizes the spherical shape of the “Dhammakaya” at the center of the seventh base of the body, representing the primordial path leading to the realization of the Dhammakaya. The temple’s architecture emulates the form of the Mahadhammakaya Cetiya, a timeless structure that encapsulates the essence of the “Triple Gem” (Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha). The building has a diameter of 108 meters, and its interior is thoughtfully organized according to functional needs, divided into three main sections.

The Memorial Hall is divided into three main sections:

1. The Entrance Corridor: This area will house records of the life of Phra Mongkolthepmuni (Sodh Candasaro), documenting his early years, middle years, and later years.

2. The Main Hall:This section features a pure gold statue of Phra Mongkolthepmuni, serving as a place for veneration and devotional practices.

3. The Exit Corridor: This area will archive the history of the World Center of Dhammakaya.

Structure of the Memorial Hall

The Memorial Hall is designed with a Mono-Rigid structure, similar to the Mahadhammakaya Cetiya. This means the building is constructed as a single continuous piece, ensuring structural integrity and durability. The hall employs a special high-strength concrete mixture and is supported by 1,500 concrete piles driven into the ground across the entire area. This piling system prevents the hall from settling unevenly.

The concrete piles are made from a special mix that prevents water from penetrating and damaging the steel reinforcement within. Additionally, the piles are encased in a layer of stainless steel to protect against substances that could deteriorate the concrete and steel. The size and quantity of the piles have been doubled to provide the most stable and robust support possible.

We are confident that the Memorial Hall of Phra Mongkolthepmuni, housing the golden statue of the revered abbot of Wat Pak Nam, will be a timeless and majestic architectural marvel. It is designed to stand alongside the Mahadhammakaya Cetiya and endure for at least a thousand years. This construction reflects the profound and challenging achievement of discovering Dhammakaya Knowledge. When Buddhists visit this hall to pay their respects to the golden statue, they will recognize its value and be inspired to practice the Dhamma, generating immense merit and following in the footsteps of Phra Mongkolthepmuni.

Visit and Worship the Golden Statue of Phra Mongkolthepmuni and Practice Dhamma in the Memorial Hall

  • Opening Hours:

    – Saturday: 12:30 PM – 5:00 PM
    – Sunday: 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM

  • Dress Code: Please wear plain white clothing without patterns, logos, or transparency.

  • Phone:  +66 2-831-1000