Wat Paramaiyikawat

Wat Paramaiyikawat, also known by its full name Wat Paramaiyikawat Warawihan, is a significant Buddhist temple situated on Ko Kret island in Nonthaburi Province, central Thailand, along the Chao Phraya River. It holds the distinction of being a second-rank royal temple, signifying its historical importance and royal patronage.

Early History and Royal Patronage

The temple's origins trace back to the late Ayutthaya period, during which it was known as "Wat Pak Ao," a name reflecting its location at an estuary. Following the fall of Ayutthaya and the city's occupation by the Burmese in 1764, the temple was abandoned. Its revival began in 1774 when King Taksin welcomed Mon immigrants and ordered the temple's restoration. The Mons referred to it as "Pia Moo Kia Terng," meaning "temple at the cape."

In 1874, King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) visited the temple and, finding it in poor condition, initiated a comprehensive restoration. He ensured the preservation of its Mon architectural style and dedicated the merit of this endeavor to his grandmother, Princess Sudarattanarachaprayur, who had raised him. It was during this restoration that the temple received its current name, "Wat Paramaiyikawat," meaning "temple of grandmother."

Architectural Significance and Landmarks

The interior of the temple's ordination hall is adorned with mural paintings executed in an applied Thai traditional style. The doors and windows are further enhanced with decorative colored stucco work. Prominently situated on the island's easternmost corner is the "Phra Chedi Mutao" (พระเจดีย์มุเตา), a striking white pagoda built in the Mon style. King Chulalongkorn himself presided over the ceremony to place Buddha relics within this pagoda in 1884. The pagoda is famously known for its distinctive leaning posture, which developed over time due to water erosion of the bank, despite unsuccessful restoration attempts in 1992. The "Phra Chedi Mutao" is a replica of the Shwemawdaw Pagoda in Bago, Myanmar, a sacred site for the Mon people.

Symbolism and Modern Role

The leaning pagoda is now regarded as a symbol and landmark of Ko Kret, offering a picturesque view, especially from the midstream of the Chao Phraya River or from passing boats, given its location at the confluence of the Chao Phraya and Lat-Kret waterways. Both the temple and the pagoda have been officially recognized as national ancient monuments by the Fine Arts Department since 1935. Wat Paramaiyikawat also functions as a key point of access to Ko Kret, with a ferry pier directly opposite the mainland town of Pak Kret, making it a popular route for visitors.