What Are Luk Nimit? Why Are They Gilded and What Benefits Do They Bring?

What are Luk Nimit?','tags':['Buddhism','Religious Objects'] Why are Luk Nimit gilded, and what benefits does this bring?','tags':['Religious Practice','Beliefs']

Many people have likely visited temples and seen large round stones placed in or around the ordination hall, which are often gilded with gold leaf and coins tossed onto them.'tags':['Temple Traditions','Community Activities']horoscope','tags':['']Thairath Online invites you to learn about "Luk Nimit," why they are gilded, and the spiritual merits associated with this practice.'tags':['Religious Education','Cultural Practice']

What are Luk Nimit?','tags':['Buddhist Objects']

"Luk Nimit" are spherical stones used as boundary markers for the Phatthasima area (the sacred zone for monastic ceremonies). According to the Vinaya rules, an ordination hall must have definite boundaries, marked by nine Luk Nimit stones placed in various directions: eight around the hall at the cardinal and intercardinal points, and the ninth (the principal stone) buried at the center of the hall to serve as the main marker.'tags':['Buddhist Discipline','Sacred Boundaries']

Why is it necessary to gild the Luk Nimit?','tags':['Religious Ritual']

Gilding the Luk Nimit with gold leaf is a symbolic and traditional act expressing reverence and honor. Gold represents something precious, so gilding shows respect for the sacred place and unity among the community. The gilding ceremony is usually a major event that gathers locals to make merit together. It symbolizes the official readiness of the ordination hall to be used for religious ceremonies.'tags':['Religious Symbolism','Community Events']

Beliefs and spiritual benefits of making merit by gilding and burying Luk Nimit stones','tags':['Spiritual Benefits','Religious Beliefs']

Ancient beliefs hold that participating in the merit-making of burying Luk Nimit stones','tags':['Traditional Beliefs'] "is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity (per temple),"','tags':['Religious Merit'] and is considered a great merit with powerful spiritual benefits.'tags':['Merit Making']

• No misfortune will befall participants because the Luk Nimit ceremony declares a sacred boundary believed to protect one's life from danger.'tags':['Protection','Spiritual Safety']
• Life becomes stable, like the Luk Nimit stones deeply embedded in the earth, supporting one's career, family, and social standing with a firm foundation that does not easily waver.'tags':['Stability','Life Foundations']
• One gains fame and widespread respect; gilding the stones is believed to bring social prestige, charm, and popularity.'tags':['Reputation','Social Status']
• One will be born into a good realm; this merit is believed to result in physical beauty, wealth, and continual rebirth within the Buddhist faith.'tags':['Rebirth','Spiritual Merit']

Items placed alongside the Luk Nimit stones','tags':['Religious Offerings']

Besides gilding, it is common to place sacred items into the Luk Nimit pit,'tags':['Ceremonial Practices']},{

• such as pins, which symbolize intelligence and clarity of mind.'tags':['Symbolism','Wisdom']
• Notebooks, ledgers, or pencils are included to encourage good memory and knowledge.'tags':['Learning','Wisdom']
• Flowers, incense, and candles are offered to honor the Triple Gem.'tags':['Religious Offerings','Buddhism']

When is the Luk Nimit gilding merit-making usually held?','tags':['Religious Calendar']

1. During the Chinese New Year festival (most popular)','tags':['Festivals','Chinese New Year']

Most Luk Nimit gilding ceremonies in Thailand are held around the Chinese New Year festival (late January to February), often lasting about nine days and nights. This period is chosen because both Thai-Chinese and general Thai people commonly make merit to start the new year, and the weather is still cool.'tags':['Cultural Traditions','Seasonal Events']

2. During the Songkran festival period','tags':['Festivals','Songkran']

Songkran in April is a long holiday when many workers from Bangkok or other provinces return home, offering an opportunity to take their families to make major merit at local temples.'tags':['Family','Religious Observance']

3. During the cool season (November to January)','tags':['Seasonal Events']

Many temples hold these ceremonies after important Buddhist observances or after the end of the rainy retreat, as ordination hall construction often finishes late in the year.'tags':['Temple Events','Religious Schedule']

Clarifying why each temple holds this ceremony only "once"?','tags':['Religious Rules']

According to the Vinaya, burying the Luk Nimit marks the official establishment of the Phatthasima boundary for proper monastic ceremonies (such as ordination). Once the burial, chanting of removal and binding ceremonies are complete, the area becomes the permanent property of the religion, so the ceremony is not repeated in the same ordination hall.'tags':['Monastic Rules','Sacred Boundaries']},{

Tips for making merit','tags':['Merit Making']

• In 2026, if you plan to make merit, it is recommended to start checking temple event news from mid-January 2026 onwards.'tags':['Event Planning']},{
• Prepare coins or sacred items (pins, notebooks, pencils) to bring for convenience, although temples often provide sets.'tags':['Preparation','Religious Items']},{

However, gilding and burying Luk Nimit is not mere superstition but a way to build the "house of the Sangha" to preserve Buddhism for future generations.'tags':['Religious Significance','Buddhist Preservation']}],