Major Restoration Planned for Marble Tripitaka Cathedral
A major restoration is underway for the marble Tripitaka cathedral in Nakhon Pathom province, which houses the world's largest collection of 1,418 marble plaques inscribed with complete Buddhist scriptures, honoring the late King Bhumibol's
Recently, Somdet Phra Vachirratnamoli (Suchat Thammaratano), a member of the Great Elders Council, abbot of Pak Nam Phasaicharoen Temple, and dean of the Bangkok Pali Studies Institute, visited the Buddhamon site in Salaya subdistrict, Buddhamon district, Nakhon Pathom province to survey the marble Tripitaka cathedral and prepare for a major restoration project. This work supports the Buddhamon development initiative, a central religious asset of Buddhism, continuing the vision of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, whose royal patronage of Buddhamon is being honored on the centennial of his birth in Buddhist Era 2570. The current reigning King has approved the project. Udompon Ekiiam, director of the National Office of Buddhism, along with senior officials and staff, joined in welcoming and surveying the marble Tripitaka cathedral.
The cathedral began construction in Buddhist Era 2532 through the Pak Nam disciples' association and Buddhist organizations devoted to the late king, marking his sixtieth birthday celebration. Construction was completed in Buddhist Era 2541. Over time, the building's structure, architecture, and artwork have deteriorated. The Pak Nam Temple community, led by Somdet Phra Vachirratnamoli, is now partnering with the National Office of Buddhism to restore the cathedral to its original splendor.
The marble Tripitaka cathedral sits on approximately nine rai of land on an island at the main Buddhamon site. The reinforced concrete structure features traditional Thai architectural design with a pyramidal shape on all four sides, centered by a primary stupa surrounded by nine smaller stupas. Each contains relics including those of Sariputta, Maha Moggallana, Sivali, and ashes from Pak Nam Temple. Inside the cathedral stand 1,418 marble plaques inscribed with the complete Tripitaka text comprising 84,000 Buddhist scriptures—the world's largest and most numerous marble Tripitaka collection. The cathedral ceiling features murals of Buddhist life stories, the ten birth tales, and scenes from the Tripitaka council.
The late King Bhumibol Adulyadej graciously arranged for the late Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn to preside over the cathedral's opening and consecration ceremony on January 18, Buddhist Era 2542. Pak Nam Temple and its disciples' association jointly raised funds for the construction as a tribute to honor the late king on his sixtieth birthday.
The Tripitaka comprises three collections: the Vinaya Pitaka (monastic discipline and conduct rules), the Sutta Pitaka (discourses and teachings), and the Abhidhamma Pitaka (philosophical doctrines).
