Phra Maha Chedi Chai Mongkol At Roi Et Province, Thailand Editorial Photo

He Phra Maha Chedi Chai Mongkol or the Great, Victorious and Auspicious Pagoda is one of the largest chedi's (pagoda) in Thailand. It is located on the grounds of the Wat Pha Namthip Thep Prasit Vararam, a temple complex in Roi Et province in rural North Eastern Thailand. This huge chedi is 101 meters long, 101 meters wide and 101 meters high and was built on a plot measuring 101 Rai, which is about 40 acres. The number 101 comes from the name of the province it is located in, namely Roi Et, which means 101 in Thai. The chedi, which is also known as Phra Maha Chedi Chai Mongkhon is highly revered in Roi Et province, since relics of the Buddha are contained in the top of the pagoda. The fairly new chedi was designed by the Department of Fine Arts, and was built to serve as a center of learning for Buddhist monks. The very elegantly shaped chedi is painted in white color and very elaborately decorated in golden colored artwork in modern style. Surrounding the chedi are eight smaller pagodas. The finial on top of the chedi is made of 60 kilos of pure gold. The chedi and temple are located on top of Nam Yoi cliff, from where you will have a wonderful view of the surrounding rural area.