A Day to remember!
Huay Mongkol Temple full of surprises
In our latest “Day to Remember” adventure, we decided to visit the impressive Huay Mongkol Temple in Hua Hin District, Thailand.
As Buddhism takes center stage as the main religion in Thailand, the number of temples is a testament to the nation’s deep-rooted spiritual heritage, therefore Huai Mongkol Temple stands as a testament to cultural richness and spiritual devotion.
As you pull into the location, you’ll notice a huge parking area for scooters and vehicles, making it easy for visitors to explore. The entire place gives off a massive park vibe, with various attractions scattered around and a serene lake right in the middle of the complex. No matter where you turn, there’s something interesting to check out. Massive statues of the Monk and the Buddha stand tall, alongside the impressive monument of King Taksin. Don’t miss the wooden statues of three-headed elephants at each corner of the base – they’re a unique sight. The scene is vibrant, with colorful temple flags and flowers adding a lively touch to the surroundings. It’s like stepping into a world of rich culture and enchanting beauty, inviting you to delve deeper into the wonders of the Huai Mongkol Temple.
For additional details on transportation and other excursions, feel free to visit the Hua Hin Expat Facebook page. You can ask any questions you have about Hua Hin, and I am sure someone will be happy to assist you!
Luang Pu Thuad Amulets
If you’re interested, you can buy special amulets with Luang Pu Tuat on them at this place. They are very popular and many people who have dangerous jobs, like fighters, police, soldiers, and hospital workers, like to have them. In Thailand, these amulets are believed to protect people from bad things happening, especially from natural disasters. The older the amulet, the stronger it is thought to be, which can make them very expensive or even priceless. You can find many different kinds of these amulets for sale at Wat Huay Mongkol
1. Impressive Statue of Luang Pu Thuad
Luang Phu Thuad, born in 1582, is a revered monk with a global following. Despite growing up in extreme poverty, his compassion and adherence to Buddhist principles marked his early life. Ordained as a novice monk at 15, he later rose to the senior monk level.
Luang Phu Thuad dedicated most of his life to Siam, known today as Thailand, where he shared his understanding of the Dhamma with numerous followers. However, his final moments were in Malaysia, where he passed away at the age of 100. Even beyond Thailand’s borders, Luang Phu Thuad’s legacy lives through, resonating with those who seek enlightenment and inspiration.
Legend has it that Luang Pu Thuat did amazing things like turning sea water into drinking water. He’s also said to have saved many lives using his special amulets, whether it was in battles, during armed robberies, or other dangerous situations. These stories of miracles make his amulets highly respected and sought after by those looking for protection and guidance.
You can see how much people admire this famous monk by checking out the huge statue of him. It’s about 12 meters tall and 10 meters wide, standing on a big mound.
2. Golden Statue of Buddha
Big Buddha statues in Thailand are very popular landmarks, and there are dozens of huge representations of the Lord Buddha dotted around the country. Every popular resort town has at least 1, which, for the sake of simplicity, is often dubbed as the local ‘Big Buddha’. This is usually one of the town’s star attractions, and it’s easy to see why. Gleaming in the sun, generally wearing an expression of blissful peace or contemplation on a vast face, these sculptures are wonderful cultural highlights.
Prominent Buddha statues in Thailand stand as iconic landmarks, with numerous massive representations of the Lord Buddha scattered throughout the nation.
Almost every popular town in Thailand has its own ‘Big Buddha,’ and these statues are a big deal. They are huge, peaceful-looking, and add a lot to the town’s culture.
Regarding the temple with the large gold Buddha, we only explored the exterior because there seemed to be some celebrations taking place. We noticed worshippers gathering outside, and we didn’t want to intrude. From the outside, the temple appeared massive and magnificent, showcasing the large gold Buddha statue in a meditative sitting position.
3. Impressive Monument of King Taksin
Near the parking area upon entering, you’ll encounter a statue of King Taksin the Great, surrounded by numerous colorful rooster sculptures of different sizes. King Taksin the Great is celebrated as one of Thailand’s esteemed kings due to his military prowess, leadership in liberating the country after the Burmese captured Ayutthaya in 1767, and his skill in unifying a divided nation. He dedicated considerable attention to politics, administration, the economy, and the welfare of the country. King Taksin oversaw the construction of roads and canals, restored and renovated temples, and made efforts to revitalize literature and various forms of arts.
Regarding the rooster figurines commonly found in many Thai temples, various sources suggest different reasons for their presence. Some claim that the rooster is considered a symbol of good fortune and wealth.
