Wat Traimit
Wat Traimit, also known as Wat Sam Chin, is a Theravada Buddhist temple located in the Chinatown area of Bangkok, Thailand. It is most famous for housing the Phra Phuttha Maha Suwanna Patimakon, a solid-gold Buddha image discovered accidentally in 1955, and also serves as a cultural center for Bangkok's Chinatown.
Key Facts
- ›The temple's origins are believed to date back to the early Rattanakosin period, possibly around the reign of King Rama III (1824–1851).
- ›It was originally known as Wat Sam Chin, meaning 'temple of the three Chinese', reportedly founded by three Chinese friends.
- ›The temple received its current name, Wat Traimit Witthayaram, in 1940.
- ›It is renowned for housing the Phra Phuttha Maha Suwanna Patimakon, a large solid-gold Buddha statue concealed under plaster for centuries.
- ›The temple complex includes the Mondop building, a modern pavilion housing the Golden Buddha and museum exhibits on its history and Chinatown.
- ›Wat Traimit also houses the Yaowarat Chinatown Heritage Center, detailing the history of Bangkok's Chinatown.
Important Relationships
- King Rama III
- King Bhumibol Adulyadej
Phra Phuttha Maha Suwanna Patimakon, Mondop Building, Yaowarat Chinatown Heritage Center
- Accidental Discovery of the Golden Buddha Statue's Gold Interior
- Renamed To Wat Traimit Witthayaram
- Became A Royal Temple of the Second Class
- Mondop Building Completed and Opened
Applied Thai Style
About Wat Traimit
Wat Traimit Witthayaram Worawihan, commonly known as Wat Traimit, is a prominent Theravada Buddhist temple situated in the bustling Chinatown district of Bangkok, Thailand. Its history is believed to stretch back to the early Rattanakosin period, with oral traditions suggesting its establishment around the reign of King Rama III (1824–1851) by three Chinese friends, which gave it its original name, Wat Sam Chin.
The Golden Buddha
The temple's global fame stems from its most treasured artifact: the Phra Phuttha Maha Suwanna Patimakon, or the Golden Buddha. This impressive statue, officially recognized since 1992, was originally a plaster-covered image moved from an abandoned temple in 1935. Its true nature was revealed in 1955 when, during a ceremony, it was accidentally dropped, cracking the outer plaster to expose a magnificent solid-gold Buddha image concealed within. The statue is now enshrined in the purpose-built Mondop building, a modern pavilion completed in 2010.
Architecture and Heritage
Wat Traimit represents an important example of early post-absolute monarchy Thai Buddhist temple architecture. The ubosot (ordination hall) was constructed in 1947 in an applied Thai style, and the monks' residences were built in 1937. The Mondop building, designed by architect Arvuth Ngoenchuklin, is a striking four-story, marble-clad pavilion, also in an applied Thai style. It serves not only as a devotional space for the Golden Buddha but also as a museum.
Cultural Significance
The Mondop building's lower floors host exhibitions detailing the history of the Golden Buddha, its Sukhothai-style casting, and its rediscovery. Furthermore, the temple complex houses the Yaowarat Chinatown Heritage Center, which offers insights into the social and economic history of Bangkok's Chinatown and the significant contributions of Chinese immigrants to the area from the early Rattanakosin period to the present day. Wat Traimit was officially recognized as a royal temple of the second class in 1956, underscoring its national importance.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Wat Traimit founded?
The temple likely dates to the early Rattanakosin period, with oral histories suggesting its founding around the reign of King Rama III (1824–1851). It was officially renamed Wat Traimit Witthayaram in 1940.
What is Wat Traimit most famous for?
Wat Traimit is best known for housing the Phra Phuttha Maha Suwanna Patimakon, a magnificent solid-gold Buddha statue. This statue was hidden under a plaster casing for centuries and was revealed by accident in 1955.
What is the history behind the Golden Buddha statue?
A plaster-covered Buddha statue was moved to Wat Traimit in 1935. During a relocation ceremony in 1955, it was dropped, and the plaster cracked, revealing a solid-gold image within.
What other facilities does Wat Traimit offer?
Besides the Golden Buddha, the temple complex includes the Mondop building, which features museum exhibits on the statue's history and Sukhothai-style casting. It also houses the Yaowarat Chinatown Heritage Center.
What is the architectural style of Wat Traimit?
Wat Traimit showcases early post-absolute monarchy Thai Buddhist temple architecture. The ubosot was built in an applied Thai style, and the modern Mondop building is a marble-clad pavilion also in an applied Thai style.
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