“Temple of weapons?” That’s the translation of Wat Awut Wikasitaram. This name hints at its connection to the Royal Thai Air Force. It is quite a unique name for a temple. This monastery has links to the cremation of high-ranking officers.
Wat Awut Wikasitaram offers a tranquil escape. It stands on the western side of the Chao Phraya River. The temple is in Bangkok’s Bang Phlat district. Though lesser known than central Bangkok temples, it offers beauty and peace.
Enter the Ubosot of Wat Awut Wikasitaram. Access is from the east side. Notice its scale. Admire the shimmering Buddha image. It is adorned with a flame-shaped mandorla.
Wat Awut Wikasitaram is a meditation hub. Weekends see many people practicing meditation here. They pay homage to Mae Chi Bun Ruan. Mae Chi are women living in monasteries. They do not have the same status as monks. You can recognize them by their shaved heads and white robes.
Thais pray in the Sala. They meditate and offer gifts to Mae Chi Bun Ruan effigies. She was a revered nun of humble origin. Her meditation practice and teachings brought her fame. It’s rare for a Buddhist woman to inspire such devotion in Thailand. Amulets bearing her name are available in the hall.
Let’s talk about Mae Chee Bun Ruean. She was a master in the Theravada tradition. This is unusual because women can’t ordain as Bhikkhuni. Despite this, she became a beloved figure. Her compassion and teachings were key. She often practiced at Wat Sampant Wongs in Bangkok.
Her famous amulet is the Pra Putto Noi. It came in various sacred powder clays. The Pim Jumbo model is the most popular. Mae Chee Bun Ruean organized fundraising for these amulets in 2494 BE. The funds supported charitable acts.
Devotees believe her amulets bring healing. They improve karma. Mae Chee Bun Ruean’s generosity fills them with power. Her equal treatment of all devotees created Metta Maha Niyom. This brings auspicious blessings.
The Roop Lor amulet contains sacred alchemical metal. Luang Phu To of Wat Pradoo Chimplee blessed it. These amulets are highly sought after. They blessed Wat Awut in 2494 BE. The funds raised built the Pra Putto Paas Chinarat Jom Muni. This is the main Buddha image at Wat Sarnath Dhammaram temple in Rayong.
Pra Ajarn Sanguan Kosago collaborated on the Pra Putto Noi amulets. Mae Chee Bun Ruean donated extra batches to monks at Wat Sampant Wongs. They gave them to devotees making merits.
Mae Chee Bun Ruean also created other sacred amulets. The Pra Chaiyawat Putto Brass Votive Tablet is one of them. The Rian Pra Putto Jom Muni coin is another.
Another talisman of Mae Chee Bun Ruean was the Thung Hniaw Sap treasure purse. It attracts wealth. These purses came in various colors and styles. Mae Chee Bun Ruean empowered them at Wat Pra Puttabat. They are known for increasing wealth and healing.
The Wat Awut Wikasitaram extends to the Chao Phraya River. From the bank, you can see the new Thai parliament to the north. It was under construction in May 2019.
Remember Wat Awut Wikasitaram. It’s more than just a temple. It’s a place of peace, history, and devotion.