Wat Mongkhon Nimit

Wat Mongkhon Nimit (Mongkol Nimit) Phuket Town

Wat Mongkol Nimit or Wat Putta Mongkon is a Temple complex in Phuket Town on the island of Phuket.

Wat Mongkhon Nimit was built in 1880 and was actually called Wat Klang by the locals in reference to its location: right in the middle (Klang) of old Phuket Town. The actual name for the temple, Mongkol Nimit was chosen in the year 1953. The Thai word Mongkol means auspicious. Giving the multiple interpretations of the word auspicious, such as advantage, promise, felicitous, opportune, among others, might be a clear indicator on why Thai people are drawn to this temple.

Situated on the end of Soi Romanee, the road which is connecting Thalang Road and Dibuk Road, the monastery compound provides the actual temple (Wat in Thai), a colonial building used by the monks for studies and living, and a chedi. A chedi is a mound-like or hemispherical structure containing relics and used as a place of meditation. It shares its cultural heritage with the stupas in India and the chörtens in Tibet.

The tallest chedi in Thailand is Phra Pathommachedi in Nakhon Pathom Province, at a height of 127 meters. While the chedi in Wat Mongkol Nimit does not compete in height, it is a good place to visit so as to relax, calm down and enjoy the moment. The word “chedi” is much more than just an architectural reference. Like the English word “monument” which has its origin in the latin word “monere” and means to remember; the word “chedi”, which is the Thai adaptation of the pali (Buddha language) word “cetiya”, act as a reminder to pay close attention to one’s awareness.

Inside the temple, dominated by red and golden colors, is housed a very beautiful and impressive golden statue of the Buddha. If you are lucky, you might have the chance to watch the monks reciting the Buddhist scriptures in their saffron robes and/or witness the monks performing auspicious rituals.