Mummified Monk, Ko Samui

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Wat Kunaram is situated a couple of kms from Hua Thanon in the south-east corner of Ko Samui, opposite the turn-off for the Magic Garden, and has the added interest of the mummified monk. Loung Pordaeng died in the meditation position over 20 years ago and his body is still in a very good state, apart from having sun-glasses covering the fact that his eyes have fallen back into his head. This part of the site was specially constructed for housing the monk. There is also the inherent tourist stand with things to buy, but you can have a nice walk around the grounds and also to the school constructed over the site of the monks old home.

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Out on the south-west side of the island is this Wat, that also has its mummified monk. Not as well known as his counterpart at Wat Kunaram, but Loung Por Ruam has been in his glass box for over 25 years. Although there are some sights of decomposition, his body is still in a remarkable state. You are expected to put a few bahts into an urn whilst a monk puts and blesses a bracelet on your wrist. Ladies : Do not be offended if the monk doesn't bless you or actually tie the knot, it is part of the ritual here.

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This is Ko Samui's most famous mummified monk - yes there is more than one. Luang Pho Daend (1894-1973) is mummified in the grounds of Wat Khanaram on route 4169, near the Na Muang waterfall. He died over 20 years ago and all things considered is still in pretty good condition, sitting upright in a glass casket wearing a cool pair of shades.

The mummified monk is locted in a smaller building in Wat Khunaram.
Dang Piyasilo also Phra Kru Samathakittikhun.The venerable ex-abbot of Wat Khunaram on Koh Samui.A native of Koh Samui he enjoyed a long prosperous family life until he was 50 years old when he decides to devote the last part of his life to the monkhood.After being ordain in1944,he became reknown for his meditation practice for about 20 years.He was also able to foresee his own death in1973 when he was 79 years old.After his death his body remained undecomposed so his family and deciples decided to place his body in an upright position with in the casket as requested by him in written instructions.To keep as a symbol to aspire the future generations to follow Buddhist teachings and be saved from suffering.
I'm not sure who put on the shades but very cool ndeed and another strange wonder of Thailand.

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The main attraction of this place is that they store a 30 years old mummified monk. A long history is written upon entering the temple regarding this monk and one cannot fail to notice when they are looking at the monk is that it is wearing a pair of sunglasses, seems weird to me.

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Here is a small temple and in one building is the Mummified Monk............by motorbike its about 10 minutes ride from Lamai and 20 from Chaweng just before the turning to Na Muang waterfall. The temple is signposted near to arrival.

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Wat Khunaram is situated on the south coast between Ban Thurian and Ban Hua Thanon. The temple has two buildings of interest within which you will find a large buddha image and the mummified munk. This is the mummified remains of a highly respected monk named Luang Phaw Daeng who died over two decades ago.

The monk started out life as a normal family man who was married with children but in later life reverted to monkhood where he remained until his death. From there he became very highly respected by his local followers who upon his death desided to mummify his remains as a mark of respect and a simble of their beliefs.

Personally I found this a little disturbing, sort of like the mummified monk in St Peter's in Vatican. So I didn't take my shoes off again and get real close, I felt a bit wierd. If you walk around the side of the glass box apparently you can see behind his sunnies.

I found interesting that outside the entrance to the monk glass case, they have a board with money from all over the world! I was excited to see the Aussie $5 note, after being away from home for close to 6 weeks!!!

Well, thanks to VT members, we didn't miss out on seeing the first MUMMY of our lives. It was quite a sight indeed but the offerings in front of the venerable monk barred us from seeing it up close. With the shades, i thought he looked quite cool.

Well-preserved, mummified body of the monk named Loung Por Ruam. He was placed here 25 years ago and looks remarkably good.

Step in this Wat for a few minutes and take a good look at this mummy. This is the first mummy I have ever seen that wears sunglasses.... It's very impressive though.

Admission to the temple is free, but guests are reminded to dress in modest clothing and remove shoes before entering.