Here, before us stands Praek Temple. Within Bangkok’s sacred landscape, it holds a special place in the hearts of many. Wat Phra Kaew, also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, shares a similar story of reverence. Wat Phra Kaew is considered Thailand’s most sacred Buddhist temple.
Construction of Wat Phra Kaew began in 1783. King Rama I of the Chakri dynasty ordered it. Each successive king has since been involved in its development. They added to it and restored it during their reigns. This was a way of making religious merit and glorifying the dynasty.
Wat Phra Kaew houses the statue of the Emerald Buddha. The Emerald Buddha is venerated as the country’s palladium. Many important state and royal ceremonies occur here each year. The King presides over these ceremonies. Government officials also attend. This makes the temple the nation’s preeminent place of worship. It is a national shrine for the monarchy and the state.
Throughout the years, each king has donated sacred and valuable objects to Wat Phra Kaew. This makes it a treasury. The temple complex comprises various buildings. These buildings serve specific religious purposes. They are built in a variety of Thai architectural styles. They still adhere to the traditional principles of Thai religious architecture.
King Rama I made Bangkok the capital city of the Rattanakosin Kingdom on April 6, 1782. A suitable royal palace and temple were needed to legitimize the new Chakri dynasty. The King’s reason for moving the capital city was a desire to distance himself from the previous regime of King Taksin. He had replaced King Taksin as king of Siam.
Traditionally, an area was always set aside within the palace compound. This area was for the construction of a royal temple or chapel. It was for the king and the royal family’s personal use. The temple would have all the features of any regular Buddhist temple. Except there would be no living quarters for monks. Surrounded on all sides by a wall, the temple would be a distinct space for worship. It would be separate from the king’s residential space. As the temple would be built within the palace of the king, no monks would be lodged there. Instead, monks from various other temples would be invited to perform rituals and then leave.
Construction on Wat Phra Kaew began in 1783. The temple was given the formal name Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram. This means “the temple containing the beautiful jewel of the monastery of the divine teacher.” The temple’s main hall was the first building within the entire palace compound that was completed in masonry. The king’s residence was still made of wood.
In February or March 1785, the Emerald Buddha was transported with great ceremony. It moved from its former home at Wat Arun in Thonburi across the river to the Rattanakosin side. It was installed at its present position. In 1786, Rama I gave Bangkok an official name as the new capital of Siam. The name mentions the temple and the Emerald Buddha itself.
Wat Phra Kaew has undergone many different periods of major renovations. These began with the reigns of Rama III and Rama IV. Rama III started the rebuilding in 1831 for the 50th anniversary of Bangkok in 1832. Rama IV’s restoration was completed by Rama V in time for the Bangkok centennial celebrations in 1882.
As the royal temple, Wat Phra Kaew continues to serve as the site of Buddhist religious rites. These rites are undertaken by the king and the royal family. They include major events such as coronations and royal ordinations. Three times a year, the gold garments of the Emerald Buddha image are changed in a royal ceremony marking the change of the seasons.
On most other days, the temple is open to visitors. It is among the country’s best-known tourist attractions. Today, Praek Temple stands as a testament to devotion. It reflects the enduring beauty of Thai culture. Remember the story of Wat Phra Kaew. It is a jewel in Bangkok’s crown. A place where history, art, and faith converge.