Lost in thought about enlightenment, perhaps Gautama Buddha himself once stood where Wat Pho now rises. Wat Pho is not just a temple. It is a living testament to Thai history, medicine, and art.
Officially named Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Rajwaramahawihan, Wat Pho’s more common name is a contraction of its older name, Wat Photaram. This royal temple stands as the first among Thailand’s highest-grade temples. King Rama I rebuilt Wat Pho on an earlier temple site. It became his main temple. His ashes are enshrined here. Later, Rama III expanded and renovated the temple extensively.
Within Wat Pho’s walls lies Thailand’s largest collection of Buddha images. A 46-meter-long reclining Buddha dominates the scene. But that is not all. Wat Pho is considered Thailand’s earliest center for public education. UNESCO recognizes the illustrations and inscriptions here as part of the Memory of the World Programme. The temple houses a school of Thai medicine. It is also known as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage.
Wat Pho predates Bangkok as the capital. Originally named Wat Photaram, it takes its name from the Bodhi tree monastery in India. Here, Buddha attained enlightenment. The temple’s exact construction date and founder remain unknown. However, it was likely built during the Ayutthaya period.
King Taksin elevated Wat Pho’s status after the fall of Ayutthaya. He moved the capital to Thonburi and located his palace near Wat Arun. This proximity made Wat Pho a royal monastery.
King Rama I moved the capital to Bangkok in 1782. He built the Grand Palace near Wat Pho. In 1788, he ordered the renovation of the dilapidated Wat Pho. The rebuilding took over seven years. In 1801, the temple was renamed Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklavas. It became Rama I’s main temple.
Rama III significantly changed the complex. He began renovations in 1832. The process took over 16 years. The temple grounds expanded. Most of Wat Pho’s current structures were built or rebuilt during this time. This includes the Chapel of the Reclining Buddha. Rama III also transformed the temple into a public learning center. He decorated the walls with diagrams and inscriptions on various subjects.
These inscriptions came from 50 court members and monks. Supreme Patriarch Prince Paramanuchitchinorot led them. On February 21, 2008, UNESCO recognized these inscriptions. Wat Pho is now regarded as Thailand’s first university. It is also a center for traditional Thai massage. It served as a medical teaching center before modern medicine. A private school for Thai medicine still operates here today.
King Rama IV renamed the complex Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklararm. Since then, Wat Pho has seen only minor modifications. Repair work continues. Devotees often fund it. The temple was restored in 1982 for Bangkok’s bicentennial.
Wat Pho covers 80,000 square meters. It houses over one thousand Buddha images. The complex includes two walled compounds. Chetuphon Road bisects them. The northern compound, or phutthawat, is open to visitors. It contains the main buildings. These buildings are dedicated to the Buddha. The southern compound, or sankhawat, houses monks’ quarters and a school.
The temple grounds feature four great chedis. There are also 91 smaller chedis. Two belfries, a bot, viharas, pavilions, gardens, and a museum are also here. Chinese statues guard the perimeter walls. These statues were originally ship ballast.
Wat Pho served as a place of education. A pictorial encyclopedia was engraved on granite slabs. It covered history, medicine, health, and more. These plaques, with texts and illustrations, are placed around the temple.
As you wander through Wat Pho, remember its history. It is a center of learning, healing, and devotion. Let the spirit of Wat Pho enrich your journey.