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ABOUT US
Watt Munisotaram, is administered by the Minnesota Cambodian Buddhist Society (MCBS), Watt Munisotaram was established by Cambodian refugees seeking to preserve their religious traditions and cultural heritage after resettling in the United States. Over the decades, the temple has grown into the largest Cambodian Buddhist temple in the country, offering a peaceful environment for meditation, prayer, and community gatherings.
OUR HISTORY
1981
The Minnesota Cambodian Buddhist Society, Inc. (MCBS) was formed.
1982
Venerable Chey Siddhi San served as first abbot. 110 volumes of Tripitaka Scriptures were collected.
1986
Venerable Son Thach served as second abbot.
1988
40-acre farmland, a house, and two red agricultural storage barns in Hampton were acquired to serve as a permanent place for Watt Munisotaram.
1990
The four bedrooms house had been expanded to get more rooms for the Buddhist monks.
1991
Buddhist center was built.
1992
Entrance gate was built to add to the style of a Cambodian monastery.
1993
Driveway was paved to make it easier for visitors to circulate around the grounds.
1994
Inauguration ceremony of the Buddhist center – Bosbok.
1995
One of the red barns had been remodeled to serve as social hall for various religious celebrations.
1996
Four bedrooms were added to accommodate laypeople and dining hall to continue supporting temple’s activities.
1996
Venerable Iddhimuni Moeng Sang arrived in the United States.
1997
Present: Venerable Iddhimuni Moeng Sang served as third abbot.
1998
More than 200 trees in the monastery of Watt Munisotaram were planted
2000
The project aims to install electric light poles along the streets surrounding the monastery premises to improve visibility and safety. Purchased and enshrined 110 Tipitaka volumes from Cambodia.
2001
February 17 groundbreaking and sacred boundary stones ceremony.
2002
October 30 planning for the construction of a two-storage permanent temple (Vihāra) – lower level 66 x 120 feet and upper level 28 x 70 feet.
2007
July 5 – 8 Sanctification ceremony of the temple (Vihāra).
2009
Buddha Relic Celebration received from Sri Lanka.
2010
Present: Construction of SAKYAMUNI Stupa.
2013
Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta worship site was built. It is the first sermon delivered by the Buddha at Isipatana (Sarnath) to the five ascetics, explaining the Middle Way, the Four Noble Truths, and the Noble Eightfold Path.
2014
The Jade Buddha was brought to Watt Munisotaram from August 5 to August 10, 2014, to illuminate the world and radiate Universal Peace to all mankind.
2015
Muchalinda (Reflection Pond) was built.
2016
Large red storage was dismantled and built a Community Hall, small red storage was demolished and rebuilt the barn for construction work/art place.
2017
Great gate was built.
2017
Inauguration ceremony of Muchalinda (Reflection) Pond.
2020
A parking lot project covering 47,700 square feet (4,431 square meters), with capacity for 260 vehicles was completed.
2021
Inauguration of the new parking lot and public restrooms.
2022
May 5 Sanctification of the Buddha self-mortification statue.
2025
August 8 – 9 Inauguration ceremony of the Great Gate.
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