Wat Mongkolratanaram Buddhist Temple of Florida

 Wat Mongkolratanaram is a Buddhist Thai temple on the bank of the Palm River in Tampa, Florida. It is known for its Sunday food market. The temple is located at 5306 Palm River Road, Tampa, FL.

 For Thai people, here and in Thailand the Wat plays a number of roles. The Monks, as do leaders in other religions, play an important role in comforting people in times of distress ( funerals etc) as well as preside over other ceremonies. In Thailand it is not unusual for a young man to become a Monk for 3 months or more. The length of time that a man stays a Monk is variable. Becoming a Monk is another way to earn merit. It also increases the young man’s knowledge of the Buddhist way of life. This helps strengthen the young man’s concept service to others as well as strengthens the bond between generations.

In some cases the Wat also provides social services such as hosting schools and providing lodging for the homeless. For example, Wat Tampa offers a summer school program that teaches Thai reading and writing, Thai customs, and (depending on the teacher) other activities such as Thai dancing. To many Thai’s the Wat is central to their daily lives. While this is probably less true for Thai people living in the United States the fact that so many people come to the Wat in times of stress is testament to the central role that Buddhism and the Wat play in the lives of Thai people.

What an interesting place to walk around. A little corner of Thailand right here in Tampa. To see more activity the best time to visit is during the Sunday Market....

"WAT" is the term for a buddhist temple or monastery in Thailand or Cambodia.