Wat Nikrodhavan Korl Tathung is an important Buddhist learning and meditation centre in Cambodia, with a history rooted in the former Nikrodhavan Korl Tathung Hermitage. It officially became a fully recognized pagoda in 1952, serving as a place where monks, lay practitioners, and devotees could study the Dhamma and Vinaya and practise meditation. After being revived as a religious community from the 1980s onward, the site was officially recognized as Wat Nikrodhavan Korl Tathung in 2003. Today, it continues to serve as a centre for Buddhist education, meditation, and the preservation of traditional Buddhist teachings.
The name “Korl Tathung” is traditionally linked to local memories of a large fallen tree that once lay across a stream between Boeng Khvaeng and Boeng Ou Krahom, forming a natural bridge for people travelling between the surrounding communities. Over time, the name became associated with the place and was preserved as part of its local heritage.
Wat Nikrodhavan Korl Tathung holds deeper significance as a place dedicated to Buddhist learning, discipline, mindfulness, and meditation. Its history reflects the resilience of Cambodia’s Buddhist communities, from its early role as a hermitage and meditation centre to its revival and development as a recognized Buddhist institution.
Today, the pagoda represents a living tradition where Buddhist education, meditation practice, spiritual discipline, and community life continue together.
Uncovering the Sacred Arts in Temples and Shrines
Visitors can explore the peaceful grounds of Wat Nikrodhavan Korl Tathung and experience an active Buddhist environment dedicated to learning and meditation. The temple offers a quieter setting for visitors interested in understanding Cambodian Buddhist traditions beyond the better-known tourist sites.
Visitors can learn about Buddhist scriptures, the Vinaya, Pali studies, Abhidhamma, and Buddhist teachings, which form an important part of the temple’s educational programme. The temple also places strong emphasis on mindfulness and meditation practice, providing opportunities to observe or respectfully participate in scheduled sessions.
Meditation and mindfulness activities are held regularly, including sessions in the afternoon and special programmes on Uposatha days and Sundays. Visitors should observe the practices respectfully and maintain a quiet atmosphere, especially during meditation, prayer, and religious study.
Beyond its religious activities, the temple provides an opportunity to connect with Cambodian Buddhist life, traditional learning, spiritual discipline, and the continuing preservation of Buddhist knowledge.
