Description
Wat Phu Hin Pun (วัดภูหินปูน) is also known as Samnak Song Phu Hin Pun (สำนักสงฆ์ภูหินปูน), which translates to the Limestone Mountain Monastery. It's not a formally sanctioned temple. Thus is known as a "samnak song" or monastery (or sometimes a priest's camp}.
Wat Phu Hin Pun was the home of revered monk Luang Pu Phang Kosalo (หลวงปู่ผางโกสโล), who arrived at the temple in 1995. Luang Pu Phang is said to have achieved enlightenment at this monastery, as he found the forest grounds to be best place to meditate. He passed away at the monastery at the age of 99.
When you arrive at Wat Phu Hin Pun, the gate will likely be closed. You may open the gate, close it behind you, and then walk up the driveway toward the temple. The main structure of the temple is a beautiful, orange Chedi pavilion, guarded by both Thewada (angels) and male and female Naga serpents with a welcoming countenance.
Opposite the Chedi pavilion, you'll see a simple orange pavilion, with a painting of Buddha under the Bodhi tree in the gable. This pavilion is a small museum honoring Luang Pu Phang Kosalo. Behind the pavilion is a path that winds its way through the forest. Take this woodsy path down a slight incline, turn right at the bottom, and you'll eventually arrive at pavilion holding a large, gold Buddha statue. Inside the pavilion is a beautiful, gold Buddha sculpture, displaying the Dharmachakra mudra, which means "Wheel of the Dharma," and represents the first sermon the Buddha preached after he achieved enlightenment.
After visiting Wat Phu Hin Pun, we would suggest also visiting the nearby Wat Bo Kaeo Manichot (วัดบ่อแก้วมณีโชติ), which has a new Chedi honoring Luang Pu Phang Kosalo, and also holds his remains. Both of these temples are located in Phanna Nikhom, about 45 minutes from downtown Sakon Nakhon.
