Wat Asokaram

Wat Asokaram is a prominent Buddhist temple in Tai Ban Subdistrict, Mueang Samut Prakan District, Samut Prakan Province, located on Sukhumvit Road near the Gulf of Thailand. Founded in 1954-1955 by meditation master Phra Ajahn Lee Dhammadharo, a disciple of Ajahn Mun, it serves as an important Dhammayuttika Nikaya meditation center. The temple is notable for the Phra Thutangkhachedi, a group of thirteen white chedis symbolizing the thirteen dhutanga practices, and its tranquil grounds.

Visitors can expect a spacious, tranquil temple compound with white chedis, meditation halls, shrines, and landscaped gardens. The central landmark is the Phra Thutangkhachedi, a cluster of 13 white chedis surrounding a central chedi enshrining relics. The grounds include the main ubosot, vihara, statues of revered monks, and quiet meditation areas. The atmosphere is calm and orderly, used for meditation practice, merit-making, and walking around the chedi complex.

Founded in 1954-1955 by Phra Ajahn Lee Dhammadharo (1907-1961), a highly respected meditation master and disciple of Ajahn Mun Bhuridatta, founder of the Thai Forest Tradition. The temple was established as a center for Dhammayuttika Nikaya practice and meditation. The Phra Thutangkhachedi, completed after Ajahn Lee's passing, was built to enshrine relics and commemorate the 13 dhutanga practices, becoming the temple's distinctive landmark.

An important Dhammayuttika Nikaya temple and meditation center in Samut Prakan, revered for its association with Ajahn Lee Dhammadharo and the Thai Forest Tradition. It serves as a place for Buddhist practice, meditation retreats, merit-making, and religious ceremonies for the local community and visitors from across Thailand.