Wat Bowonniwet
Wat Bowonniwet Wihan Ratchaworawihan, a significant Buddhist temple in Bangkok, Thailand, holds historical importance as a royal temple and a center of the Thammayut Nikaya order. It served as the residence for the late Supreme Patriarch of Thailand and is the final resting place for two former Chakri Dynasty kings, notably King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX).
Key Facts
- ›Established in 1824 by Mahasakti Pol Sep, viceroy during King Rama III's reign.
- ›Center of the Thammayut Nikaya order of Thai Theravada Buddhism.
- ›Houses the shrine-hall of Phra Phuttha Chinnasi, a Buddha statue dating to around 1357.
- ›Served as a place of study and monkhood for many royal princes and kings, including King Bhumibol Adulyadej and King Vajiralongkorn.
- ›The golden chedi contains the relics and ashes of Thai royals.
- ›Site where Prince Bhikkhu Mongkut (later King Rama IV) founded the Thammayut Nikkaya order.
Important Relationships
- King Rama III
- King Vajiravudh (Rama VI)
- King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX)
- King Vajiralongkorn (Rama X)
- Nyanasamvara Suvaddhana
- Prince Bhikkhu Mongkut (King Rama IV)
- Mahasakti Pol Sep
- Khrua In Khong
- Field Marshal Thanom Kittikachorn
- Golden Chedi With Relics and Ashes of Thai Royals
- Shrine-Hall of Phra Phuttha Chinnasi
- T-Shaped Bot With Sukhothai-Period Buddha Statue
- Murals With Western-Influenced Style By Khrua In Khong
- Prince Bhikkhu Mongkut Founded the Thammayut Nikkaya Order Here.
- King Bhumibol Adulyadej Resided Here For 15 Days During His Monkhood In 1956.
- King Vajiralongkorn Was Ordained and Spent 15 Days Here In 1978.
- Site of the Return of Field Marshal Thanom Kittikachorn As A Novice Monk, Leading To the '6 October Event' In 1976.
Thai
About Wat Bowonniwet
What is Wat Bowonniwet?
Wat Bowonniwet Wihan Ratchaworawihan, commonly known as Wat Bowonniwet, is a significant Buddhist temple located in the Phra Nakhon district of Bangkok, Thailand. Established in 1824 by Mahasakti Pol Sep, the viceroy during the reign of King Rama III, the temple has evolved into a vital spiritual and historical center. It is recognized as a major temple within the Thammayut Nikaya order of Thai Theravada Buddhism.
Royal Patronage and Historical Significance
The temple holds a profound connection with the Thai monarchy, serving as a key site of royal patronage. It was here that Prince Bhikkhu Mongkut, who would later ascend the throne as King Rama IV, resided for 27 years, establishing the Thammayut Nikkaya order. Wat Bowonniwet has been a place where numerous royal princes and kings have studied and undertaken their monastic ordinations. Notably, it served as the temporary residence for King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) during his monkhood in 1956 and for his son, King Vajiralongkorn (Rama X), in 1978. The temple also functions as the final resting place for King Vajiravudh (Rama VI) and King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX).
Architectural Features and Notable Figures
Architecturally, Wat Bowonniwet is distinguished by its golden chedi, which enshrines the relics and ashes of Thai royals. The temple complex includes viharas and a T-shaped bot, or main chapel, which houses a magnificent Buddha statue from the Sukhothai period, cast around 1257 CE. The interior walls of the bot are adorned with murals that were innovatively painted to create a three-dimensional effect, with monk artist Khrua In Khong introducing Western stylistic elements to Buddhist subjects. The temple was also the site where the late Supreme Patriarch of Thailand, Nyanasamvara Suvaddhana, resided.
Historical Events and Contemporary Role
Beyond its religious and royal functions, Wat Bowonniwet has been intertwined with significant historical events. In October 1976, the return of exiled dictator Field Marshal Thanom Kittikachorn as a novice monk at the temple precipitated large public demonstrations and a violent crackdown, an event often referred to as the Thammasat University massacre or the '6 October Event'. Today, Wat Bowonniwet continues to be an active religious site and a place of historical importance, attracting visitors and pilgrims alike who seek to connect with Thailand's rich Buddhist heritage and royal history.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Wat Bowonniwet founded?
Wat Bowonniwet was established in 1824. It was founded by Mahasakti Pol Sep, who served as viceroy during the reign of King Rama III.
What is the significance of Wat Bowonniwet in Thai Buddhism?
It is a major center for the Thammayut Nikaya order of Thai Theravada Buddhism. The temple also houses the shrine-hall of Phra Phuttha Chinnasi, a significant Buddha statue.
What is the connection between Wat Bowonniwet and the Thai monarchy?
The temple has a strong royal connection, serving as a major temple of patronage for the ruling Chakri dynasty. Many royal princes and kings studied and served their monkhood there, and it is the resting place for two former kings.
What are some notable architectural features of Wat Bowonniwet?
The temple features a golden chedi that contains the relics and ashes of Thai royals. The T-shaped bot houses a Sukhothai-period Buddha statue cast in 1257 CE. The interior murals of the bot were traditionally light and limited but were innovatively painted to appear three-dimensional.
Has Wat Bowonniwet been associated with any significant historical events?
Yes, in October 1976, the return of exiled dictator Field Marshal Thanom Kittikachorn as a novice monk at Wat Bowonniwet sparked large demonstrations and a crackdown, known as the Thammasat University massacre or the '6 October Event'.
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