Wat Ratchabophit, Bangkok

Ratchabophit Sathit Maha Simaram Ratcha Wora Maha Wihan.

Finished in 1911 and started in 1899 this was designed by the Kings half brother. Sitting in the Dusit district of Bangkok the name of this temple translates as the Temple of the 5th King. The 5th King and possibly one of the most revered was King Chulalongkorn.

2 lions guard the entrance and the hallways surrounding the main building contain 52 buddha images. One is the statue Phra Buddha Chinarat, actually a copy of the original located in Wat Mahatat in Phitsanulok. This one was cast in 1920. The main image is a representation of the Buddha Phra Buddha Chinarat.

The ashes of King Chulalongkorn are buried underneath the temple grounds.

Made of Italian marble with pictures encased in the hallways depicting famous Stupas from around Thailand the temple had gold and laquer crossbeams.

---

Author: Gary C.

Editor: Katie K.