Description
Wat Pa Don Nang Kom (วัดป่าดอนนางก้อม) is a charming village temple about 3 kilometers south of the ancient Khmer castle Wat Prathat Dum. Visiting this temple is a reminder that one should never overlook any building at a rural Sakon Nakhon temple, regardless if it looks dilapidated, run down, or perhaps under long-term renovation.
When entering the grounds of Wat Pa Don Nang Kom, you'll notice a rather dilapidated brick building on the left side, which seems like construction was once started, but (at least temporarily) has been abandoned. However, the monk's fabric on the windows and doorway signify that the building still has sacred significance. Inside there is a beautiful gold, Buddha figure. Thus the building (although not ornate) is what is referred to as a Mondop, that is a structure specifically designed to house certain relics, such as Buddha statues.
Wat Pa Don Nang Kom's grounds are very well tended to and the monks are friendly to visitors. The loudspeaker you see above the assembly hall is common at rural, village temples, where homes are scattered around at quite a distance from the temple, separated by rice fields. The speaker allows the monks to occasionally broadcast prayers and announcements of important religious events.
