THE IMPORTANCE AND ROLE OF MINGMUANG MUN TEMPLE : IN THE CURRENT SOCIAL CONTEXT

Abstract

This research aims to study history of the importance and role of Mingmuang Mun Temple in the context of the current society towards the surrounding community, Phichai Subdistrict, Lampang Province. Using qualitative research methods by collecting two types of information the studying information from documents and field data , studying area, Wat Ming Muang Mun and the surrounding community of Mingmuang Mun Temple.From the data found that there was an old temple ,Wat Ming Mueang Mun that located along the Wang River, the name of Don Mun Temple was eroded by the Wang River ,until it was an important reason to move the temple, relocated from Ban Tha Som Poi,   Moo 1, Thung Fai Subdistrict, Mueang District to Ban Ming Mong Khon, Moo 17, Phichai Subdistrict, Muang District, which is the current location Since 1927.

From the study, it was found that Wat Ming Mueang Mun Temple played the important role in the religion of this community and also play the role in community development all sectors in many aspects. Namely the role of education promotion, public welfare, role in promoting talismans amulet, roles in promoting and propagating the Dharma, roles in promoting arts, traditions and rituals, and tourism role that mainly driving by the monks  and  the faith surrounding community.