Description
Luang Chamnong Ratchakit Monastery (ที่พักสงฆ์หลวงจำนงค์ราชกิจ) is a "monk's residence" in Phanna Nikhom (Sakon Nakhon). In the Thai language it's referred to as a "Tee Pak Song" (ที่พักสงฆ์). But it isn't simply a place where monks reside. It's a sacred area where anyone can go to practice (and learn about) the dharma, as well as make merit. These unofficial temples also are often called a "samnak song" in Thai.
This monastery has two different statues of the Buddha being protected by a multi-headed Naga serpent. It's good to know the difference between these two Naga figures. The 7-headed Naga guarding the Buddha statue under the Bodhi tree is named Mucalinda. This is the Naga who protected the Buddha from violent storms after his enlightenment.
The 5-headed gold Naga seen at the monastery is named Anontak. Each Naga head represents the 5 earthly directions (North, South, East, West, and Middle). Mahayana Buddhists also see the heads as symbolizing the 5 Wisdom Buddhas or Tathagatas (Vairochana, Akshobhya, Ratnasambhava, Amitabha, and Amoghasiddhi) who help guide people toward enlightenment.
Luang Chamnong Ratchakit Monastery has a pavilion under which is the primary Buddha statue. A maze of sacred threads called "sai sin" are attached to this Buddha image to enhance the blessings it bestows on the faithful (see below a video of locals helping to cast this statue). The grounds around the residence include a lightly forested area that remains cool and is suitable for meditation even on hot days.
The monastery is only about 200 meters from the Hor Thala City Pillar Shrine, which is an important shrine for members of the local Phu Thai tribe. It's also only about a kilometer from Wat Pa Udom Somphon, which was built by the legendary monk Luang Pu Fan Acharo.
