“Metal castle” is what they call it. Wat Ratchanatdaram stands before us. This Buddhist temple offers more than meets the eye. Wat Ratchanatdaram is at the intersection of Ratchadamnoen Klang and Maha Chai Road. We are in Bangkok’s Phra Nakhon district.
King Nangklao or Rama III ordered its construction. It was a gift for his granddaughter Princess Somanass Waddhanawathy in 1846. However the temple wasn’t completed during his reign. His successors tried to finish it. Only in 1960 under Rama IX construction restarted. The Fine Arts Department of Thailand oversaw the work. In 1995 a Buddha relic was placed at the topmost spire. Wat Ratchanatdaram finally opened to the public in 2007.
Locals call it Loha Prasat meaning iron palace. The name comes from the metallic finish on its 37 spires. These spires represent the 37 Bodhipakkhiya Dharma in Buddhism. Look closely at this impressive structure. It stands 36 meters high. That’s about 118 feet. The building has seven stories split into three levels. The bottom level features 24 spires. The middle level has 12. Just one spire sits on the top level.
Notice the pyramid shape created by the outer buildings. Each level gets smaller as it rises. Down on the ground floor there is a labyrinth. Many columns support it. Take a walk through this maze. You will see pictures showing the temple’s history installed in the corridors.
Wat Ratchanatdaram’s design is based on older Buddhist structures. They are modeled after ones in India and Sri Lanka. Sadly those no longer exist. The Indian Loha Prasat once held 1000 rooms and a golden spire. The Sri Lankan version had nine floors. Its roof was covered in copper. Precious stones ivory and wood decorated the walls. This Wat Ratchanatdaram is the only one of its kind left.
Take your time to explore this unique temple. Imagine the dedication it took to build. Feel the peace and serenity within its walls. Wat Ratchanatdaram stands as a testament to Thai history art and religious devotion.