Wat Phra Dhammakaya

THAILAND, Pathum Thani

The temple was founded by a nun, Chandra Khonnokyoong, and her students Dhammajayo Bhikkhu and Dattajivo Bhikkhu in 1970. It was built in honor of Phra Monkolthepmuni, who was the spiritual master of the Dhammakaya Tradition, which promotes Buddhist spiritual practice. It is the largest Buddhist organizations in Thailand.
The temple complex occupies an area of 400 ha. The architecture is based on the principles of functionality, durability, simplicity, and elegance. During the first decade there was only a main hall, monastic quarters, and kitchen. Dharma propagation and services were conducted under the trees or in tents. Following the increase in devotees attending the activities, expansion took place between 1995 and 2002, when the Dhammakaya Stupa, the Great Sapha Dhammakaya Hall, and the Memorial Hall of Phra Monkolthepmuni were built. Collectively these buildings form the World Dhammakaya Center. In 2003 the Memorial Hall of Khun Yay Archaraya Chandra Khonnokyoong was completed.
The dome-shaped golden Dhammakaya Stupa is located in the middle of the World Dhammakaya Center. With a diameter of 108 m, the stupa rests on 3,333 columns and has one million 15 cm high golden Buddha images. They are located in the stupa, as well as on the dome and spherical terrace. The stupa is divided into three zones, symbolizing the Triple Gem of the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. The upper zone, or Buddha-Ratanam, houses a Buddha relic and 300,000 golden Buddha images. The second zone, or Dhamma-Ratanam, represents the Buddha’s teachings. The third zone, or Sangha-Ratanam, provides 10,000 seats for monastics to participate in ceremonies. The meditation area encircling the third zone is able to hold one million devotees in meditation or prayer.
The rectangular Great Sapha Dhammakaya Hall occupies an area of 16.2 ha and consists of two stories. It provides space for large-scale Dharma services, training, meditation, meetings, Dharma lectures, and other activities. With a total capacity of 300,000 people, it is one of the largest assembly halls in the world. The Memorial Hall of Phra Monkolthepmuni has a dome shape, symbolizing the Dharma Wheel. It contains a golden statue of the founder, Phra Monkolthepmuni, as well as a museum for the founder, exhibition hall, auditorium, and meditation hall. The two-story Memorial Hall of Khun Yay Archaraya Chandra Khonnokyoong is located at the center of a pond and is built in the shape of a hexagonal pyramid. On the first story there is a museum on Chandra Khonnokyoong and on the second story there is a meditation hall. The building contains a golden statue of Chandra Khonnokyoong.