Wat Sam Phraya
Wat Sam Phraya is a third-class royal temple in Bangkok, Thailand, with origins dating back to the Ayutthaya period. Originally known as Wat Sak or Wat Bang Khun Phrom, it was restored and renamed "Sam Phraya Temple" in the Bangkok era by King Rama III, signifying its elevated status as a royal temple.
Key Facts
- ›Presumably built during the Ayutthaya period.
- ›Renamed "Sam Phraya Temple" (Temple of the three Lords) in 1823 CE by King Rama III.
- ›Elevated to the status of a royal temple in 1823 CE.
- ›Features an ordination hall (ubosot) with a double-tiered roof clad in Chinese glazed tiles.
- ›Houses the main Buddha image known as Luang Pho Phra Phutta Keson.
- ›Contains a total of twenty-five stupas within and around the ordination hall enclosure.
Important Relationships
- King Rama I
- King Rama III
- Luang Wisut Yothamart (Troos)
- Khun Phrom (Sarat)
- Mrs. Phawa
- Phraya Raja Supawadee (Khun Thong)
- Phraya Rachikul (Thong)
- Phraya Thep Worachun (Thong Pak)
- Luang Pho Phra Phutta Keson
- Twenty-Five Stupas
- Ordination Hall With Double-Tiered Roof Clad In Chinese Glazed Tiles
- Frieze Depicting Dragons and Phoenix In Gold
- Renovated and Renamed "Sam Phraya Temple" In 1823 Ce By King Rama Iii.
- Raised To the Status of A Royal Temple In 1823 Ce.
Ayutthaya Period Influences, Chinese Glazed Tiles, Chinese Decorative Patterns
About Wat Sam Phraya
Wat Sam Phraya is a significant Thai royal temple located in the Wat Sam Phraya subdistrict of Phra Nakhon district in Bangkok. It is classified as a third-class royal temple, indicating its historical importance and royal patronage.
History and Renaming
The temple's origins are presumed to date back to the Ayutthaya period, during which it was known by other names such as Wat Sak or Wat Bang Khun Phrom. Its history in the Bangkok era is marked by a substantial restoration and renaming. During the reign of King Rama I, the land and properties of the deceased Khun Phrom were dedicated as a temple in his memory, leading to its designation as Bang Khun Phrom Temple. By the time of King Rama III, the temple had fallen into disrepair. A joint renovation effort was undertaken by Phraya Raja Supawadee (Khun Thong), Phraya Rachikul (Thong), and Phraya Thep Worachun (Thong Pak), who were the sons of Mrs. Phawa. Upon presenting the renovated temple to King Rama III, he bestowed upon it the name "Sam Phraya Temple," meaning "Temple of the Three Lords," and officially raised its status to that of a royal temple in 1823 CE (2366 BE).
Architectural Features
The temple complex includes several notable structures. The ordination hall, or ubosot, is constructed from brick and features a distinctive double-tiered roof adorned with Chinese glazed tiles. Inside, the main Buddha image is revered as Luang Pho Phra Phutta Keson. The interior walls of the ubosot are decorated with painted floral patterns, and a gilded frieze depicting dragons and phoenixes runs along the upper sections. The windows are interspersed with sections that showcase offering tables in a Chinese style. Complementing the main hall is a ceremony hall, also a brick building with a two-tiered roof decorated with Chinese plates and patterns. The temple grounds are further enhanced by a total of twenty-five stupas, distributed both within and around the enclosure of the ordination hall.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Wat Sam Phraya called before?
The temple was formerly known as Wat Sak or Wat Bang Khun Phrom. It was renamed Bang Khun Phrom Temple during the reign of King Rama I in memory of Khun Phrom (Sarat).
When was Wat Sam Phraya established?
The temple was presumably built during the Ayutthaya period. It was restored and given its present name in the Bangkok era.
Who restored and renamed the temple?
During the reign of King Rama III, the temple was jointly renovated by Phraya Raja Supawadee (Khun Thong), Phraya Rachikul (Thong), and Phraya Thep Worachun (Thong Pak). Upon their offering the temple to King Rama III, he bestowed it the name "Sam Phraya Temple".
What is the main Buddha image at Wat Sam Phraya?
The main Buddha image at Wat Sam Phraya is called Luang Pho Phra Phutta Keson. It is housed within the temple's ordination hall.
What are some notable architectural features of Wat Sam Phraya?
The ordination hall is a brick building with a double-tiered roof covered in Chinese glazed tiles. The interior walls are decorated with floral patterns, and a frieze of dragons and phoenixes in gold runs along the top. The temple also features a ceremony hall with a similar tiled roof and Chinese decorative elements, along with twenty-five stupas.
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