How about stepping into a realm where dragons guard holy waters? That is Wat Dibayavari Vihara.
Welcome to Wat Dibayavari Vihara. This historic temple stands as a testament to Bangkok’s diverse cultural tapestry. It blends Chinese and Vietnamese influences. Known as the Temple of the Green Dragon, it is a place of great spiritual significance.
Wat Dibayavari Vihara was built between 1776 and 1777. King Taksin provided land on the Chao Phraya River’s east bank. This was a residence for Chinese and Vietnamese communities.
Later, Prince Maha Sura Singhanat grew wary of the Vietnamese living in Siam. He ordered them to leave. The area became deserted. The temple was without monks for years.
In 1896, a Chinese monk named Hai Son arrived from Hunan. Local Chinese millionaires sponsored a restoration. King Chulalongkorn recognized the restored temple. In 1909, he gave it the Thai name Wat Dibayavari Vihara. It means Holy Water Temple.
The name refers to a small pond within the temple grounds. Its water is considered sacred. Legend says a Green Dragon protects the pond. This belief has made Wat Dibayavari Vihara famous as the Green Dragon Temple.
Inside Wat Dibayavari Vihara you can find many idols. Hua Tuo is there. So is the Green Dragon. You can also see Yue Lao and Erlang Shen. Trikaya and Avalokiteśvara are enshrined here.
Today, Wat Dibayavari Vihara attracts many visitors. Chinese and Thai people come to ward off bad luck. They seek blessings during the New Year. Many visit during the Chinese Vegetarian Festival. People come to pray for protection at Wat Dibayavari Vihara. They pay respect to the god of love. They wish for endless love. They also wish for a happy family. Visitors seek power, fortune, and peace.
The motto of Wat Dibayavari Vihara is endless love. This temple is a symbol of hope. It embodies the desire for a harmonious life.
The temple is in the Ban Mo community. It is opposite The Old Siam Plaza. The area is always bustling with activity. A vibrant street market and many shophouses surround Wat Dibayavari Vihara. Nearby are Phahurat and Yaowarat.
Remember the story of Wat Dibayavari Vihara as you explore. It is a sanctuary of faith. It is a meeting point of cultures. It is a beacon of hope for all who seek its blessings.