Wat Moha Montrey

"Moha Montrei Pagoda is Mahanikay pagoda located along Sihanouk Blvd., south of the Olympic Stadium. It was built in the 1960s by former Prime Minister Lon Nol, a controversial figure who later fled to the United States.
Moha Montrei Pagoda leads to a Vihear (Main building) in the center of the property.

The exterior walls and columns are beautifully carved. It is worth visiting just to see this Vihear.

I visited during the busy holiday season of Pchum ben　(Ancestor day), but the monk was happy to answer our questions and guide us through the Vihear.

--About Lon Nol--
Marshal Lon Nol was a Cambodian politician and general who served as Prime Minister of Cambodia twice, as well as serving repeatedly as defence minister and provincial governor

By Wikipedia

--About Mahanikay and Dhammayut--

Mahanikay is the older and more traditional branch of Buddhism in Cambodia. It is more involved in social work and allows its monks to own property and wear elaborate robes.

Dhammayut is a newer and stricter branch of Buddhism in Cambodia. It focuses more on meditation and study and requires its monks to live a simple and ascetic lifestyle."

SUSUMU KURODA

"Moha Montrei Pagoda is located south of the Olympic Stadium along Shianouk Blvd. While the grounds are not particularly large, it is a highly historic pagoda that was built in the 1960s with funding from former Prime Minister Lon Nol and designed by Mr. Moung Ses.

Upon entering the entrance, you will find Sala Chhan on the right, and further inside, the main hall (Vehear). Carvings adorn the pillars, walls, and ceilings throughout, making it clear at first glance that this pagoda is distinct from the ordinary. Inside the main hall, luxurious chandeliers illuminate the space. According to the monks, in the back on the right side facing the Buddha image, there is a very old painting from a bygone era.

Moha Montrei Pagoda is well worth a visit just to see the main hall.

--Basic building of Pagoda in Cambodia--

Vehear (The main hall): The building where the Buddha, the principal image of the temple, is enshrined.

Sala Chhan: which translates directly to 'dining or eating hall' is a gathering hall found in village pagodas traditionally used for religious celebrations, festivals and prayers by monks and where pagoda-goers come to make offerings.

Bannaly(Library): Sutra storehouse that stores scriptures"

Photography NIHAS

"Moha Montrei Pagoda means the Pagoda of High-ranking Officials. I used to live near to this pagoda; my house was just 70 meters east of the pagoda. My wife also used to teach at Moha Montrei Primary school which is located on the compound of the pagoda. During Pchum Ben Festival (Festival of the Dead) we went to pray at this pagoda. It is a nice pagoda with spacious compound and a lot of trees."

Leaksmy Pok