Wat Molilokkayaram

Wat Molilokkayaram Ratchawarawihan

Wat Molilokkayaram Ratchawarawihan is a significant Buddhist temple located in Bangkok, Thailand. It holds particular importance as a distinguished center for the study of Pali, the liturgical language of Theravada Buddhism, and Buddhist scriptures. The temple is recognized as a second-class royal monastery, underscoring its historical and cultural eminence.

History and Development

The temple's origins trace back to the mid-18th century, during the twilight years of the Ayutthaya Kingdom. It was initially known as "Wat Tai Talat," meaning "Temple at market tip," due to its proximity to the end of the Thonburi Market. The founder of the temple is not precisely recorded. In 1767, following the fall of Ayutthaya, King Taksin integrated the temple into his Thonburi Palace complex. During the subsequent Rattanakosin period, King Phutthaloetla Naphalai (Rama II) undertook renovations of the ordination hall and renamed the temple "Wat Phutthaisawan." Later, King Nangklao (Rama III) further restored the temple and changed its name to "Wat Molilokyasutharam," which eventually evolved into the present-day "Wat Molilokkayaram." The temple also served as an educational site for the childhood of King Phutthaloetla Naphalai's son.

A pivotal development occurred in 1997 when the abbot initiated efforts to upgrade the temple into a dedicated Pali school for novice and ordained monks. This initiative has yielded remarkable success, establishing Wat Molilokkayaram as the institution with the highest number of Pali-winning students in Thailand. This academic prestige was highlighted in 2024 when Phanuwat Kongthungmon, a seventeen-year-old novice monk from the temple, became the youngest individual in Thai history to pass the examinations for "Pali 9," the most advanced level of Pali studies within the Thai Sangha.

Permanent Structures

The temple complex features several notable permanent structures. The Ordination Hall is home to the principal Buddha image, enshrined in the Māravijaya attitude, known as Phra Phuttha Molilokanart. Phra Wihan Chang Kluea is an ancient building, with "Chang Kluea" translating to "salty warehouse" in Thai, suggesting its original use possibly as a storage facility during King Taksin's reign. It now functions as a chapel and houses another principal Buddha image named Phra Poramet. The Ho Somdet is a distinctive two-story building, with its ground floor containing statues of French soldiers, possibly dating back to the era of Wichaiprasit Fort. The Ho Trai is the temple's scripture wooden hall, believed to have been constructed during the reign of King Nangklao.