Wat Chaiyaphrueksamala
Wat Chaiyaphrueksamala is a significant second-class royal Buddhist temple located in Taling Chan District, Bangkok, at the confluence of Khlong Maha Sawat and Khlong Bangkok Noi. Originally constructed during the Ayutthaya period, the temple has undergone multiple reconstructions and restorations, notably under King Rama IV and King Rama IX, preserving its historical and religious importance.
Key Facts
- ›The temple was initially built during the Ayutthaya period.
- ›It was rebuilt and completed during the reign of King Rama IV.
- ›King Rama IX presided over the opening of the new ordination hall in 1978.
- ›The temple houses the principal Buddha image named Phra Phutthachai Mongkhon.
- ›A stūpa built during King Rama IV's reign contains royal relics.
- ›The sermon hall, built in 1938, is used by Kusol Suksa School for music and dance activities.
Important Relationships
- King Rama I
- King Rama II
- King Rama III
- King Rama IV
- King Rama IX
- M.C. Phoem Ladawan
- Kusol Suksa School
Phra Phutthachai Mongkhon, StūPa Housing Royal Relics, Sermon Hall
- Disassembly of Structures For Thonburi City Wall Construction
- Attempted Rebuilding During the Reign of King Rama I
- Completion of Restoration and Naming By King Rama Iv
- Restoration of StūPa By M.C. Phoem Ladawan
- Construction of New Ordination Hall
- Opening Ceremony of New Ordination Hall By King Rama Ix
Thai-Style
About Wat Chaiyaphrueksamala
Wat Chaiyaphrueksamala, also known by its shorter name Wat Chaiyaphruek, is a significant second-class royal Buddhist temple of ratchaworawihan status. Its strategic location in the northeast of Taling Chan District, Bangkok, places it at the confluence of Khlong Maha Sawat and Khlong Bangkok Noi, a site historically linked to the development of the region.
History and Development
The temple's origins trace back to the Ayutthaya period. In the aftermath of the founding of the new city at Thonburi in 1767, some of its brick structures were dismantled and repurposed for the construction of the city wall. During the reign of King Rama I, Crown Prince Chim initiated efforts to rebuild the abandoned temple, though these endeavors were interrupted by ongoing warfare and left incomplete.
The temple's reconstruction and significant development occurred later. In 1851, King Rama IV provided funds to finalize the restoration, bestowing upon it the name "Wat Chaiyaphrueksamala." Within the old ordination hall, the principal Buddha image, revered in the Māravijaya attitude, is enshrined and known as Phra Phutthachai Mongkhon. A stūpa, originally built during King Rama IV's reign, was later restored in 1935 by M.C. Phoem Ladawan and now houses the royal relics of King Rama III and other members of the royal family.
A new ordination hall, facing north towards Khlong Maha Sawat, was constructed in 1973 and completed in 1974. King Rama IX graced the opening ceremony on March 30, 1978, and also presided over the principal Buddha image casting ceremony. The temple also features a sermon hall on its east side, near Khlong Maha Sawat. Built in 1938, this Thai-style building of brick and cement is currently used by Kusol Suksa School, an elementary school under the temple's patronage, for its music and dance programs.
Historically, the site was administered under Tambon Maha Sawat, Amphoe Bang Kruai of Nonthaburi Province, highlighting its regional importance before its integration into Bangkok's administrative structure.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Wat Chaiyaphrueksamala located?
Wat Chaiyaphrueksamala is situated in the northeast of Taling Chan District, Bangkok. It is located at the mouth of Khlong Maha Sawat where it converges with Khlong Bangkok Noi.
When was Wat Chaiyaphrueksamala first built?
The temple's origins date back to the Ayutthaya period. Portions were disassembled for the construction of the new city wall in 1767.
What is the significance of the stūpa at Wat Chaiyaphrueksamala?
A stūpa was constructed during the reign of King Rama IV and later restored in 1935. It serves as a housing for the royal relics of King Rama III and other royal family members.
What is the name of the principal Buddha image at the temple?
The principal Buddha image enshrined in the old ordination hall is in the Māravijaya attitude and is named Phra Phutthachai Mongkhon.
What role does the sermon hall play at the temple?
The sermon hall, built in 1938, is a Thai-style brick and cement building. It is currently utilized by Kusol Suksa School, an affiliated elementary school, for music and dance activities.
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