Visiting & Discovering the Beauty of Chedi Maha Mongkol Bua - Roi Et - Thailand.

Visiting Chedi Maha Mongkol Bua in Roi Et province was a peaceful and meaningful experience. Surrounded by calm nature and beautiful architecture, the great golden chedi immediately creates a sense of serenity. Built to honor Luang Pu Maha Bua Naṇasampanno (also known as Luang Ta Maha Boowa), this sacred place is not only a religious landmark but also a center of faith and reflection. In this temples journey blog, I would like to share my experience and impressions from visiting one of the most important Buddhist sites in northeastern Thailand.

Luang Pu Maha Bua Naṇasampanno (1913–2011), was a highly respected Thai Buddhist monk in the Thai Forest Tradition. He was born in Udon Thani province, Thailand in year 1913. He became a monk and later studied and practiced meditation seriously under Luang Pu Mun Bhuridatta, one of Thailand’s greatest meditation masters. Luang Pu Maha Bua was known for his strict discipline, deep wisdom, and clear teachings on meditation and the mind. He taught that true happiness comes from understanding and letting go of attachment. He also played an important role in helping Thailand during the economic crisis in 1997, leading a national effort to collect gold and money to support the country. Luang Pu Maha Bua passed away in 2011 at the age of 97. His teachings continue to inspire many people, and Chedi Maha Mongkol Bua in Roi Et was built to honor his life and Dhamma teachings.

The golden Chedi Maha Mongkol Bua shines beautifully, and its reflection in the pond creates a calm and peaceful view. Seeing the reflection in the pond made the place feel quiet, pure, and deeply spiritual.

Visitors can pay respects at the memorial of Phra Dhammavissumongkol, Luang Ta Maha Bua Naṇasampanno, and enjoy a moment of relaxation by the calm pond nearby.

The magnificent golden lotus pagoda shines brightly when illuminated by sunlight. Chedi Maha Mongkol Bua is a magnificent and sacred landmark in Roi Et, known not only for its stunning golden architecture but also for its deep spiritual significance. What makes it truly unique is that it was the only chedi personally authorized by Luang Ta Maha Bua during his lifetime. He personally oversaw the preparation of the land, laid the foundation stone, and enshrined the Buddha’s relics, ensuring that every part of the chedi reflected his devotion and teachings. Surrounded by landscaped gardens and a calm pond that perfectly mirrors its golden spire, the chedi creates a serene atmosphere, inviting visitors to meditate, reflect, and pay their respects. Every corner of the chedi exudes peace, reverence, and inspiration, making it a truly unforgettable place to visit.

The chedi stands prominently with a golden exterior, surrounded by landscaped gardens and a calm pond, creating a sacred and peaceful atmosphere. It is divided into four levels, each with a special purpose:

1st floor: A room preserving Isan folk songs and local culture (stored digitally). 

2nd floor: A library and audio room with dhamma teachings and sermons by Luang Ta Maha Bua for reading and listening. 

3rd floor: A prayer and meditation area with a life‑like statue of Luang Ta Maha Bua. 

4th floor: The highest level holds the main Buddha image and statues of revered monks, along with sacred relics for devotion and respect.

The 3rd floor features a statue of the revered monk and serves as a meditation area for those seeking tranquility.

A statue of Phra Dhammavissumongkol, Luang Ta Maha Bua Naṇasampanno. He learned many important teachings from Phra Ajahn Mun Bhuridatta, his meditation master. The most important lesson was that real Buddhism is found through serious meditation practice, not only through study. Phra Ajahn Mun taught him to live with strict discipline, simplicity, and mindfulness. He learned to observe the mind carefully and to understand suffering, desire, and attachment through direct experience. Luang Ta Maha Bua also learned that enlightenment is possible in this life if a person practices with effort, patience, and determination. These teachings later became the foundation of his own Dhamma teachings.

The third floor of Chedi Maha Mongkol Bua is a quiet and sacred space where visitors can feel a deep connection to Luang Pu Maha Bua Naṇasampanno. Here, a life-like statue of Luang Pu Maha Bua greets visitors, serving as the centerpiece for paying respect and reflection. Surrounding the statue, you will find portraits that capture important moments of his life, from his early years as a monk to his time as a revered meditation master. In addition to the portraits, the floor displays some of Luang Pu Maha Bua’s personal belongings, carefully preserved to honor his legacy. These items give visitors a sense of his simple, disciplined lifestyle and his dedication to meditation and teaching. The peaceful atmosphere makes this floor perfect for meditation, quiet contemplation, and paying homage, allowing visitors to reflect on his wisdom and spiritual journey. The combination of statues, portraits, and personal items creates a deeply moving experience, reminding everyone of the life and teachings of one of Thailand’s most respected Buddhist masters.

Photo taken with portrait of Luang Pu Maha Bua. Luang Pu Maha Bua was one of the most important Buddhist monks in Thailand. He was a great meditation master in the Thai Forest Tradition and practiced strict discipline. He was a close disciple of Luang Pu Mun Bhuridatta and helped preserve his teachings. Luang Pu Maha Bua taught many monks and laypeople about meditation and the true nature of the mind. His Dhamma talks and books are widely studied in Thailand and other countries. In 1997, during Thailand’s economic crisis, he led the “Help the Nation” project by collecting gold and money to support the country. This showed his great compassion and leadership. Because of his contributions to Buddhism and society, Chedi Maha Mongkol Bua was built to honor his life and teachings.

View from the Chedi, the atmosphere within the temple is beautiful and serene. Far away with the wooden traditional Thai-style building.

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