There are numerous temples in Koh Phangan, each with its own unique story. Located right across the mainland from Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas, a luxury resort in Koh Phangan is Kuan Yin Shrine – a temple that was built for faith and altruism.
A speaker of faith in modern times, the temple was built less than a decade ago as a woman from Bangkok arrived with tales of a strange dream. She was visited by Kuan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy, in her dreams, she said, who instructed her to build a lighthouse on Koh Phangan for the fisherfolk who have been suffering from the lack of a beacon to guide them home. Upon seeing the spot of land up high on the mountain road Chaloklum Village, the woman declared it to be the place in her dreams, and they set about to fulfil the Goddess’s wish. As the news of the feat travelled, donations started flowing in from all across the land, resulting in much more than was necessary in building a lighthouse. Thus, instead of a lighthouse, it was decided to build the temple, which now stands on the mountain speaking of faith in modern times for all to hear.
The temple has a main building which houses a beautiful statue of Kuan Yin, while two lower buildings are present to serve as guest rooms and activity halls. A smiling Buddha statue sits outside the main building, extending benevolence across the seas. Thai, Chinese, and other foreign devotees flock to the temple every year to practice meditation and worship the Goddess. The people of Chaloklum Village who were without a lighthouse, they now say, have not only a beacon to guide them home, but also the Goddess of Mercy to protect them from harm.
Catalina Forbes is a travel writer who bases her content on many thrilling escapades experienced across the world. Google+
