The most significant ceremony for the Thommayut School of Buddhism in Cambodia in

17 years drew monks from all over Cambodia to Wat Butom.

The more than 150 monks ordained during the July 1-5 ceremonies joined the Thommayut

School of Buddhism-one of two sects in Cambodia, the other being the Mahanikay School.

Both were predominant up until 1975 when the Khmer Rouge outlawed Buddhism and destroyed

the Sangha as a functioning institution in Cambodia.

Wat Butom-or "Temple of the Lotus Blossoms"-has been the seat of Thommayut

Buddhism in Cambodia for more than 120 years.

Located just south of the Royal Palace, the temple received its name because when

it was originally constructed the site was a small island surrounded by a pond filled

with lotus flowers.