Monastic accessories according to the Vinaya exhibited at the Preah Norodom Sihanouk-Angkor Museum.

On the morning of October 23, 2026, at the Preah Norodom Sihanouk-Angkor Museum, the research team from the Research and Document Archiving Office of the Department of Research, Training, and Communication organized an exhibition showcasing essential daily monastic accessories in accordance with the Buddha’s regulations in the Vinaya Pitaka regarding the “Athaparikkhar” (the eight requisites), which every bhikkhu must possess and properly maintain for daily religious practice.

Mr. Vong Savuthy, a researcher from the Department of Research, Training, and Communication, explained that the key monastic accessories on display include both the eight essential requisites stipulated by the Buddha and secondary or miscellaneous accessories that facilitate the daily livelihood of monks. The eight requisites (Athaparikkhar) consist of: the double-layered robe (Sanghati), the upper robe (Uttarasanga), the lower robe (Antaravasaka), the alms bowl (Pattra), the razor (including its sheath and whetstone), the needle (including thread and needle case), the belt or waistband (Kayabandhana), and the water strainer (Dhammakaraka). The secondary or miscellaneous accessories include: the bathing cloth (Sataka), the chest band (Urabandhana), the bag, the shoulder strap (Amsaka), the fan, the Dhutanga mosquito net, the umbrella, and sandals (Upahana), among others. These miscellaneous items are optional as they are not explicitly mandated by the Buddha’s regulations. He also reaffirmed that the objective of this research and exhibition is to enable students and the general public to recognize and understand monastic accessories that strictly adhere to the Vinaya, noting that some items now exist only within the scriptures and are no longer in practical use due to the modern context of contemporary monastic living.

Mr. Phuoy Savoeut, Deputy Head of the Museum and Heritage Standards Office, also noted that the Preah Norodom Sihanouk-Angkor Museum consistently prioritizes the preservation and conservation of antiquities, organizing exhibitions of historical achievements derived from archaeological research in order to invite the general public to study and learn.

The Preah Norodom Sihanouk-Angkor Museum is located in Boeung Don Pa Village, Sangkat Slor Kram, Siem Reap City, Siem Reap Province, and is open to the general public from Tuesday through Sunday, from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM.