Wat Chakkrawat
Wat Chakkrawat, formerly known as Wat Sam Pluem, is a historic Buddhist monastery located in Bangkok's Chinatown. It holds significance as an ancient temple established during the early days of the Rattanakosin Kingdom, predating the development of the Yaowarat road, and was later designated a royal temple.
Key Facts
- ›The temple's history dates back at least 200 years, to the reign of King Buddha Yodfa Chulalok (Rama I) in 1782.
- ›It was formerly known as Wat Sam Pluem and was a residence for Chinese immigrants.
- ›The temple was renovated and presented to King Nangklao (Rama III) in 1825, becoming a royal temple.
- ›Notable relics enshrined include Phra Bang and later Phra Nak.
- ›The temple is known for its crocodile pond, which once housed a legendary one-eyed crocodile called 'I-bord'.
- ›It is situated in the northwestern edge of Samphanthawong district, near the Chao Phraya River.
Important Relationships
- King Buddha Yodfa Chulalok (Rama I)
- King Nangklao (Rama III)
- Chaophraya Bodindecha
- King Mongkut (Rama IV)
Crocodile Pond, Phra Nak Statue
- Renovation and Designation As Royal Temple Under King Nangklao
- Enshrinement and Subsequent Relocation of Phra Bang Statue
- Legend of 'I-Bord' the One-Eyed Crocodile During Wwii
About Wat Chakkrawat
Wat Chakkrawat, also known by its former name Wat Sam Pluem, is a significant Buddhist monastery located in Bangkok, Thailand. Situated in the northwestern part of the Samphanthawong district, near the Chao Phraya River, it lies within Bangkok's historic Chinatown.
History and Establishment
The temple's origins are deeply rooted in the early history of the Rattanakosin Kingdom. Historical accounts suggest its existence dates back at least 200 years, to the reign of King Buddha Yodfa Chulalok (Rama I), coinciding with the establishment of Bangkok as the capital in 1782. At that time, the area was known as Sampheng, and after Chinese immigrants were relocated from the Tha Tian quarter due to royal palace construction, it became their settlement. This historical context places Wat Chakkrawat as a temple that existed prior to the development of the prominent Yaowarat Road, which was constructed in 1892.
Royal Patronage and Renovations
During the reign of King Nangklao (Rama III), the temple underwent a significant renovation led by Chaophraya Bodindecha. This restoration project, which included the excavation of a canal to divert water from the temple's pond, took six years to complete. Following its renovation, monks from other temples were invited to reside there, and in 1825, the temple was formally presented to the king, thus elevating its status to that of a royal temple.
Notable Relics and Features
Originally, a Buddha statue named Phra Bang was enshrined within the temple's vihara (sanctuary). However, during a visit by King Nangklao, he observed that the vihara was taller than the ubosot (ordination hall). In response, Chaopraya Bodindecha constructed a new ubosot and repurposed the old one as a vihara. Later, in the reign of King Mongkut (Rama IV), Phra Bang was returned to Luang Prabang. Phra Nak, a Buddha statue, was subsequently brought from a shrine within the Grand Palace to occupy its place.
A unique and enduring feature of Wat Chakkrawat is its crocodile pond. This pond gained notoriety during World War II when a large, one-eyed crocodile, nicknamed 'I-bord Wat Sam Pluem' or 'the blind of Wat Sam Pluem,' became a feared man-eater in the Chao Phraya River. Despite efforts to capture it, a monk from Wat Chakkrawat eventually caught and raised 'I-bord' in the temple's pond until its natural death. The pond remains a part of the temple grounds today, a physical reminder of this historical legend.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the history of Wat Chakkrawat?
Wat Chakkrawat, originally Wat Sam Pluem, has a history stretching back at least 200 years to the founding of Bangkok in 1782. It was renovated and became a royal temple in 1825 during the reign of King Nangklao.
What is unique about Wat Chakkrawat?
The temple is known for its historical crocodile pond, which once housed a famous one-eyed crocodile named 'I-bord'. This legend was well-known among Bangkok residents during World War II.
What statues are housed at Wat Chakkrawat?
Phra Bang was once enshrined in the temple's vihara but was later returned to Luang Prabang. Phra Nak was then brought from a Buddhist shrine within the Grand Palace to replace it.
Where is Wat Chakkrawat located?
Wat Chakkrawat is situated in Bangkok's Chinatown, on the northwestern edge of the Samphanthawong district, close to the Chao Phraya River.
What was the temple called before?
The temple was formerly known as Wat Sam Pluem. It predates the construction of the Yaowarat road, which was cut in 1892.
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