Wat Arun
Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn, is a prominent Buddhist temple situated on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, Thailand. Its iconic central spire, or prang, encrusted with colorful porcelain, makes it one of Thailand's most recognizable landmarks, blending Indian, Hindu, and Siamese influences.
Key Facts
- ›Originally known as Wat Bang Makok, it dates back to at least the 17th century during the Ayutthaya Kingdom.
- ›Renamed Wat Chaeng by King Taksin when he established his capital in Thonburi, it later enshrined the Emerald Buddha before its transfer.
- ›Its distinctive central prang, reaching between 66.8 to 86 meters, was largely constructed in the early 19th century.
- ›The prang is adorned with colorful porcelain, shells, and Chinese ceramic shards, with smaller satellite prangs surrounding it.
- ›The temple's architecture incorporates Buddhist and Hindu symbolism, with the central prang representing Mount Meru.
- ›It has undergone several major restorations, including significant work between 2013 and 2017.
Important Relationships
- Hindu god Aruna
- Sun god Surya
- King Narai
- Claude de Forbin
- de Lamare
- King Taksin
- Rama II
- Rama III
- Henri Mouhot
- Frank Vincent Jr.
- Chulalongkorn (Rama V)
- Hindu god Indra
- Erawan
- Phra Phai (wind god)
- Sahassa Deja (yaksha)
- Thotsakan (yaksha/Rāvana)
- Rama II (designer of Niramitr Buddha image)
- Central Prang Encrusted With Colorful Porcelain and Shells
- Four Smaller Satellite Prangs
- Figures of Ancient Chinese Soldiers and Animals Around the Base of the Prang
- Statues of Hindu God Indra Riding Erawan
- Six Pavilions In Chinese Style Made of Green Granite
- Ordination Hall With Niramitr Buddha Image
- Demon Guardian Figures At the Entrance
- Existing As A Temple Site Since At Least the 17th Century.
- Renamed Wat Chaeng By King Taksin After the Fall of Ayutthaya.
- Enshrined the Emerald Buddha Before Its Transfer To Wat Phra Kaew.
- Restored During the Reign of Rama Ii and Construction On the Main Pagoda Began.
- Main Prang Completed In 1851.
- Underwent Major Restorations During the Reign of Chulalongkorn and In 1980.
- Extensive Restoration Work On the Prang From 2013 To 2017.
- Used As A Venue For Projection-Mapping and Light-and-Sound Performances In December 2023.
Siamese, Indian Influences, Hindu Elements, Buddhist Symbolism, Chinese Style
About Wat Arun
Wat Arun: The Temple of Dawn
Wat Arun, officially known as Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan, stands as one of Thailand's most iconic and visually striking Buddhist temples. Located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, it is affectionately known as the 'Temple of Dawn' due to its name being derived from the Hindu god Aruna, the personification of the sun's early rays. The temple's architecture is a distinctive fusion, incorporating elements of Indian influence, Hindu symbolism, and Siamese identity, making it a significant landmark.
Historical Context
The site of Wat Arun has hosted a Buddhist temple since the Ayutthaya Kingdom, predating the reign of King Narai. Initially named Wat Bang Makok, it was later renamed Wat Chaeng by King Taksin when he established his capital in Thonburi. Legend suggests Taksin vowed to restore the temple after encountering it at dawn. During Taksin's rule, the temple grounds served as part of the royal palace. It was later abandoned until King Rama II initiated restoration and plans to elevate the central pagoda. The ambitious construction of the main prang, or spire, commenced under King Rama III and was completed in 1851.
Architectural Marvel
The most defining feature of Wat Arun is its majestic central prang, a towering structure standing between 66.8 and 86 meters tall. This spire is elaborately encrusted with colorful porcelain, fragments of Chinese ceramic dishes, and shells, creating a dazzling mosaic. It is surrounded by four smaller satellite prangs. The prang's design is rich in symbolism, with its base representing the realms of existence (Traiphum), the middle section the Tavatimsa heaven, and the top the Devaphum, or heavens of happiness. Around the base, figures of ancient Chinese soldiers and animals are depicted, while the second terrace features statues of the Hindu god Indra riding the mythical Erawan elephant. The temple complex also includes pavilions in a Chinese style and an Ordination Hall housing a Buddha image believed to have been designed by Rama II, guarded by imposing demon figures.
Restoration and Significance
Wat Arun has undergone numerous significant restorations throughout its history, notably during the reigns of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) and in 1980. The most extensive recent restoration of the prang took place between 2013 and 2017, focusing on replacing damaged tiles and re-plastering surfaces to reflect its original appearance. The temple's enduring beauty and historical depth continue to draw visitors and pilgrims, solidifying its place as a vital cultural and religious site in Thailand.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of Wat Arun's name?
Wat Arun translates to 'Temple of Dawn'. Its name is derived from the Hindu god Aruna, who is the charioteer of the sun god Surya and is personified as the radiations of the rising sun.
When was Wat Arun built?
A Buddhist temple has existed at the site since at least the 17th century. However, its iconic central prang was primarily constructed in the early 19th century, during the reigns of Rama II and Rama III, and was completed in 1851.
What are the notable architectural features of Wat Arun?
The most striking feature is the central prang, a towering spire encrusted with colorful porcelain, Chinese ceramic shards, and shells. It is surrounded by four smaller satellite prangs and decorated with figures of Chinese soldiers, animals, and images of the Hindu god Indra.
What is the significance of the central prang's symbolism?
In Buddhist cosmology, the central prang symbolizes Mount Meru, the center of the universe in Hindu mythology. The three symbolic levels of the prang represent different realms of existence and heavens.
How can visitors access Wat Arun?
Wat Arun is accessible via the Chao Phraya River. Ferries operate across the river to the Maharaj pier, providing convenient access to the temple.
Is there an entrance fee for Wat Arun?
Yes, as of March 2024, there is an entrance fee of 200 baht for foreign visitors to enter Wat Arun.
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