Cambodia Strengthens Buddhist Facilities with New 'Place of Prayer' Construction

A new facility construction aimed at promoting Buddhism, the state religion of Cambodia, is underway. On the 11th, the groundbreaking ceremony for the 'Batisanatakia' Hall, a Buddhist-related facility, was held at Wat Nikrot Von Kol Toeng in Khan Chbar Ampov, Phnom Penh. The facility is being built through the generous donation of former Prime Minister Hun Sen, President of the Senate of the Kingdom of Cambodia, and his wife, Bun Rany Hun Sen, President of the Cambodian Red Cross. Men Sam An, High Privy Councilor to the King, attended the ceremony as a representative of the former Prime Minister and his wife. The hall to be constructed will be 8 meters wide by 16 meters long, with a height of one story. At the groundbreaking ceremony, numerous Buddhist monks attended, and Hindu rituals were also performed, praying for the safety of the construction and the prosperity of the facility. This is a traditional practice to show respect to the land deities and guardian spirits and to obtain permission from the land before commencing construction. This project is being advanced through the efforts of Neak Oknha Mam Vandy, a direct advisor to former Prime Minister Hun Sen, and Neak Oknha Teng Phalla. The ceremony was grandly held with the participation of high monks, government officials, businessmen, and many Buddhists. Men Sam An, High Privy Councilor to the King, praised the construction of this facility as a "noble gift" and highly appreciated its contribution to the promotion of Buddhism. All attendees also offered alms to 222 monks. This 'Batisanatakia' Hall is expected to play a role as a spiritual center in the local community and contribute to the inheritance and development of Cambodia's Buddhist culture.