Description
Wat Kham Pramong (วัดคำประมง) is a popular Sakon Nakhon tourist attraction for people throughout the province, as well as neighboring provinces. One of the main reasons is that it operates a free Cancer treatment center that provides traditional herbal remedies in consultation with professional doctors. Many people thus not only come to see the unusual, modern-designed temple and beautiful grounds, but also to make "make merit" and support the work of the Cancer center, led by Phra Ajahn Paponpatchara Jiradhammo (พระอาจารย์ปพนพัชร์ จิรธัมโม).
Ajahn Panonpat, who is the abbot of Wat Kham Pramong, won his own battle with Cancer. In 1996 he was suffering from Nasopharyngeal Cancer, and no longer able to physically continue with chemotherapy and radiation treatment. So he turned to meditation and prayer until he discovered a recipe for cancer medicine from an ancient Thai textbook called Phet Nam Nueng. When he received this medicine, his symptoms improved gradually until he went into full remission.
In addition to traditional Thai remedies for Cancer, Wat Kham Pramong also focuses on holistic health care by organizing activities for patients and caregivers, which are practiced activities together on a daily basis to learn ways to take care of their own health.
The modern looking temple at Wat Kham Pramong was completed in 1990, and there are additional Buddhist structures throughout the vast compound, both modern and traditional, and a combination of the two. It is a beautiful place, with a nice pond and woods, where you could spend hours walking around. There is also a coffeehouse that serves quite excellent coffee.
Located in Phanna Nikhom District, about 45 minutes from Sakon Nakhon city, you'll note that this temple has a similar name to the famous temple mountain Wat Tham Kham in the same district. There is a connection between the two temples in that the revered Sakon Nakhon monk Luang Pu Sim Phutthajaro spent time at both temples, using Wat Kham Pramong in particular as a meditation center. The Thai word "kham" means word, and the word "pramong" means fishing or fishery. So, one might interpret the meaning of Wat Kham Pramong, as the temple where the word of the Buddha is fished.
Lastly, there are some truly unique Buddhist sculptures here, such as the Buddha cover image at the top of this Sakon Nakhon temple listing, where the Buddha has a wonderful smiling expression, and the Naga serpent heads are replaced by monkey heads.
