Description
Wat Pa Udom Somphon (วัดป่าอุดมสมพร) is the location of the Ajarn Fun Acharo Museum. Ajarn Fun, who is also referred to as Luang Phor Fan and Luang Pu Fan Ajaro, is a famous Sakon Nakhon monk who built Wat Pa Udom Somphon, as well as the nearby mountain temple Wat Tham Kham.
He passed away at Wat Pa Udom Somphon in 1977, which is why they decided to place the museum here, along with his ashes and other relics, after being directed to do so by His Majesty King Bhumibol the Great, who studied under the revered Isaan monk (learn more about their relationship here: Ajarn Fan Acharo & The King)
The Ajarn Fun Acharo Museum at Wat Pa Udom Somphon is located in the striking pagoda that is one of the bas-relief temple depictions on the Sakon Nakhon Clock Tower. It is composed of three tiers of lotus flowers, topped by a gold spire. Inside the pagoda, there is a sculpture of Ajarn Fun on a bed of lotus flowers. The interior walls tell the story of Luang Phor Fan's life. You will find sculptures of him at many temples throughout Sakon Nakhon province.
The exterior of the Ajarn Fun Acharo Museum pagoda has gorgeous examples of the traditional Thai art of bas-relief murals composed of small tiles. Each mural shows scenes of Ajarn (also spelled Ajahn) Fun's life. Outside the pagoda there is additional lotus shaped structures with bas-relief murals. To view the related art of bas-relief painting found at some Sakon Nakhon temples, we recommend visiting Wat Santi Kusuman.
Wat Pa Udom Somphon is filled with shady paths to walk around while meditating on the teachings of Ajarn Fun — including his belief that we all must be prepared to face our death one day, and that now is the time to come to terms with our lives and our actions (to overcome our fears, regrets, and uncertainties), so that when the day comes, we will be able to face it with serenity and peace.
