Wat Suwannaram
Wat Suwannaram Ratchaworawihan, also known as Wat Suwannaram or Wat Suwan, is a significant historic royal temple located in Bangkok, Thailand. Originally known as "Wat Thong" during the Ayutthaya period, it later served as an execution ground and a royal cremation site, before being restored and adorned with masterful murals during the Rattanakosin era. Its principal Buddha image, "Phra Satsada," is highly venerated, drawing many devotees seeking blessings.
Key Facts
- ›The temple dates back to the Ayutthaya period and was formerly known as "Wat Thong."
- ›During the Thonburi era, it was utilized as an execution ground for Burmese prisoners of war.
- ›King Phutthayotfa Chulalok (Rama I) bestowed royal patronage and the name Wat Suwannaram.
- ›The ordination hall features unique curved architecture resembling a Chinese junk, typical of the late Ayutthaya period.
- ›It houses renowned murals painted by Luang Wichijesda and Luang Seniborirak, considered masterpieces of the Rattanakosin era, with approximately 80% preserved.
- ›The temple is associated with ghost stories due to its historical use as an execution site, with a spirit house dedicated to Thai soldiers on the school playground.
Important Relationships
- King Taksin
- King Phutthayotfa Chulalok (Rama I)
- King Nangklao (Rama III)
- King Chulalongkorn (Rama V)
- Luang Wichijesda (Kru Thong Yu)
- Luang Seniborirak (Kru Kong Pae)
- Murals By Luang Wichijesda and Luang Seniborirak
- Ordination Hall Curved Like A Chinese Junk
- Spirit House For Thai Soldiers' Spirits On School Playground
- Principal Buddha Image 'Phra Satsada'
- Used As An Execution Ground For Burmese Prisoners of War During the Era of King Taksin.
- Served As A Royal Cremation Site For Members of the Royal Family and Top Officials Until the Reign of King Chulalongkorn.
- Restored and Adorned With Murals Sponsored By King Nangklao .
Late Ayutthaya Period, Traditional Thai
About Wat Suwannaram
Wat Suwannaram Ratchaworawihan: A Historic Royal Temple in Bangkok
Wat Suwannaram Ratchaworawihan, commonly known as Wat Suwannaram or Wat Suwan, is a significant second-class royal temple situated in Bangkok, Thailand. Located on the western bank of Khlong Bangkok Noi, its history stretches back to the Ayutthaya period when it was initially referred to as "Wat Thong." The temple holds a complex past, having been utilized as an execution ground during the Thonburi Kingdom and later as a royal cremation site for esteemed members of the royal family and high-ranking officials until the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V).
Royal Patronage and Artistic Masterpieces
Royal patronage played a crucial role in the temple's development. King Phutthayotfa Chulalok (Rama I) bestowed upon it the name Wat Suwannaram, signifying its royal connection. A significant restoration and embellishment occurred during the reign of King Nangklao (Rama III), who commissioned two renowned artists, Luang Wichijesda (Kru Thong Yu) and the Chinese Luang Seniborirak (Kru Kong Pae), to paint the murals within the ordination hall. These murals, depicting episodes from the Mahanipata Jataka, specifically the stories of Prince Nemi and Prince Mahosadha, are celebrated as masterpiece paintings of the Rattanakosin era, with a remarkable 80 percent of the original artwork still preserved. The ordination hall itself is architecturally distinctive, its design curved to resemble a Chinese junk, characteristic of the late Ayutthaya period.
Spiritual Significance and Local Lore
At the heart of Wat Suwannaram lies its principal Buddha image, known as "Phra Satsada," meaning "prophet Buddha," which is regarded with great reverence. Many visitors come seeking blessings and participate in rituals such as "running the horse," where they tie a loincloth around their waist and circle the ordination hall three times while making sounds reminiscent of a horse.
Given its historical function as an execution ground, the temple is also associated with local ghost stories. The discovery of human skeletons during renovations for the school playground further fueled these tales. To honor and symbolically appease the spirits of executed soldiers, a spirit house dedicated to Thai soldiers was constructed on the school grounds. These narratives contribute to the temple's multifaceted identity, blending historical reverence with lingering folklore.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Wat Suwannaram's historical significance?
Wat Suwannaram is significant for its long history, dating back to the Ayutthaya period. It served as an execution ground, a royal cremation site, and later received royal patronage, culminating in the creation of its renowned murals.
What are the notable artistic features of Wat Suwannaram?
The temple's ordination hall is architecturally noteworthy for its design, curved like a Chinese junk. It is also famous for its traditional Thai-style murals depicting stories from the Jataka tales, painted by two celebrated artists and considered masterpieces of the Rattanakosin era.
What is the principal Buddha image at Wat Suwannaram known for?
The principal Buddha image is called "Phra Satsada" and is considered highly sacred. Devotees often perform a ritual called "running the horse" around the ordination hall while making vows to this image.
Why is Wat Suwannaram associated with ghost stories?
Due to its historical use as an execution ground for prisoners of war, the temple is rumored to be haunted. Human skeletons have been uncovered during renovations, and there are local accounts of supernatural sightings.
What is the architectural style of the ordination hall?
The ordination hall's architecture is distinctive, featuring a design that is curved like a Chinese junk, reflecting a style from the late Ayutthaya period.
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