Ever paused to consider how Bangkok’s temples intertwine with the lives of its kings? Wat Komut Putta Rungsri may not be directly mentioned in our sources. However, nearby stands Wat Bowon Niwet, a temple deeply connected to Thai royalty. It offers a glimpse into the intertwined destinies of kings and temples.
Wat Bowon Niwet is near Khao San Road in Phra Nakhon district. This temple holds a special place in Thai history. Many people visit to pay respects to King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s ashes. They are enshrined in the base of the Phra Phuttha Chinnasi Buddha image.
King Bhumibol himself was ordained as a monk here. He spent 15 days in monkhood at Wat Bowon Niwet. Visitors can see objects related to the late king and the Chakri Dynasty.
Wat Bowon Niwet is one of two temples with special privileges. It is King Rama IX’s symbolic temple. Wat Ratchabophit is the other. It houses the royal cemetery. Wat Bowon Niwet holds historical and religious importance. Four supreme patriarchs have resided here. Numerous kings and royals spent their monkhood here. King Bhumibol supported the temple greatly. He sponsored restorations and donated Buddha statues. He even donated aerators for water treatment.
Wat Bowon Niwet is a first-class royal temple inside the city walls. Somdet Phra Bowonratchao Mahasakpollasep rebuilt it during 1824-1832. He was the viceroy of King Rama III. It was originally named Wat Mai meaning “New Temple”. After the viceroy’s death, King Rama III wanted to give the title to Prince Mongkut. The prince later became King Rama IV.
The prince was a monk at Wat Samorrai. The king asked him to move to Wat Mai. He allowed him to bring items from the Front Palace. These included the Tripitaka scriptures. These scriptures had gilded, carved ivory and mother of pearl covers.
Wat Bowon Niwet uniquely has two ubosots or ordination halls. One belonged to Wat Rangsi. Wat Rangsi merged into Wat Bowon Niwet in 1915. At the entrance is a pavilion for kings to change. Past the walls is a sema stone. It marks the boundary of the ubosot.
Rows of pillars line the ubosot. They represent six kinds of people. The ubosot houses the Phra Phuttha Chinnasi Buddha statue. It is in the “subduing mara” posture. Behind it is another Buddha image known as Phra To.
King Rama VI’s ashes are inside the base of Phra Phuttha Chinnasi. King Rama VII placed them there in 1925. Now, they are joined by King Rama IX’s ashes.
On the right is the Phra Phuttha Sayamabhiwatbophit in the “walking posture”. It is one of four statues commissioned by the late king. They commemorated his 50th birthday. The statues were moulded at Wat Phra Kaew in 1977.
Phra Tamnak Punya is one of two royal mansions. King Bhumibol stayed here during his monkhood in 1956. Tradition dictates monarchs and royals stay in Phra Tamnak Punya on their first night. King Rama V, King Rama VI and King Rama VII all stayed here. This Western-style building was commissioned by King Rama III. It was for King Rama IV’s monkhood. A stone inscription forbids women’s entry. Inside is Phra Phuttha Narawantabophit. This Buddha statue is in the “stopping the ocean” posture. King Bhumibol commissioned it in 1956. It commemorates his 15-day monkhood.
This statue is 172cm tall. It represents King Bhumibol’s reign of 10,000 days. He visited his subjects nationwide. The other three statues represent stopping a quarrel, meditation and meditation under naga protection.
Other notable sites include Phra Tamnak Punya and Phra Tamnak Song Phrot. King Bhumibol stayed in these mansions during his monkhood. Teak and cannon ball trees were planted by the king. The temple has Buddha images bestowed by the king. These include Phra Phuttha Narawantabophit.
Phra Tamnak Song Phrot connects to Phra Tamnak Punya. King Bhumibol stayed here during his monkhood at Wat Bowon Niwet. This European-style building was built in 1890. It enshrines a Buddha statue of Krom Phraya Vajirayanvaroros. King Rama VII commanded it.
King Bhumibol planted a teak tree and a cannon ball tree. He also donated aerators to the temple. The ubosot features Chinese-style tiles and peony motifs. The interior walls have murals. Sixteen Western-style paintings depict Buddhist teachings. Khrua Inkhong painted these during King Rama IV’s monkhood.
Wihan Phra Satsada houses Phra Satsada and Phra Saiya. The interior walls have murals.
Wat Bowon Niwet’s historical significance and architecture are admirable. It houses the ashes of King Rama VI and King Rama IX. The temple is symbolic of these beloved kings.
King Bhumibol restored the ubosot. Italian marble and granite were used.
Reflecting on Wat Bowon Niwet near Wat Komut Putta Rungsri offers insights. Consider how temples embody history and devotion. They serve as lasting tributes to Thailand’s revered monarchs.