The monument is surrounded by
108 hanging bells.
Vittaya Yoondorn
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.
The monument is surrounded by 108 hanging bells, all of which are inscribed
with “Jinapañjara G th ,” the victor’s cage.
A statue of Provost Viboon
Sangkhakan, who served from 1937 until his death in 1982, sits inside the
monument.
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.