Famous Temples in India

Religious Significance

It was in the year 1995-96, when Chowna Mein, currently the deputy Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, India and the donor of this temple went to Thailand with Ven. Phramaha Somboon Temduang and visited the beautiful Wat Aranjikavas. Together they met the Chief monk ‘Prakhu Pabhavana’ (Kit-thun-thon) who donated (or gifted in charity) the huge Lord Buddha statue made of pure bronze (currently which is installed inside the Golden Pagoda) to Chowna Mein for spreading the essence of Buddha Sasana, worshipping and spiritual binding through his creation in India. Ven. Prakhu Pabhavana was an excellent craftsman involved for years in sculpting, painting and designing Lord Buddha statues whom he usually gives away in charity. Most of his creations are prominent assets across beautiful Wats in most villages of Thailand. Chowna Mein brought the statue of Lord Buddha to India with his humble efforts to fulfill the aspirations of the Buddhist community in Arunachal Pradesh. This very statue is seated in the center of Golden Pagoda.

However, it was not easy for Chowna Mein to take up this huge responsibility in such short notice, but keeping the aspiration of the people in priority, he immediately looked out for a suitable site which would not only be a place for mere spectacle but a place of wholesome experience for visitors besides serving as a center for imbibing Buddha’s Doctrines, Indigenous Traditional Studies, Recreation, Meditation, and Religious activities. Hence it took considerably a few years to find the enchanting site- Noi Chenam also known as Tengapani for construction of the Golden Pagoda. With the help of community brothers and elders, the site was made ready after clearing the dense forest, and construction of the historical monument started in the year 2008. Finally, the mesmerizing glittering adobe of heaven beauty on earth was completed for dedication to the service of Buddha in 2010. Thus the vision came into reality just in two years. Finally, the auspicious dedication ceremony for handing over the noble cause to the world was initiated. Under the guidance of senior monks and the combined efforts of the resident monks, members of the public, community members and well-wishers, the Golden Pagoda was dedicated to the devotees by Chowna Mein, Nang Sati Mein (wife), Nang Sonia Mein (daughter), Chow Aditya Mein (son) and Chow Khanseng Mein (son).