Wat Chaiyaprueksamala Ratchaworawihan

Have you ever heard of a temple being deconstructed and then resurrected? Here at Wat Chaiyaprueksamala Ratchaworawihan, that’s precisely what happened. Wat Chaiyaprueksamala Ratchaworawihan, also known as Wat Chaiyaphruek, sits peacefully along the Khlong Maha Sawat. This location isn’t just scenic. It’s historically significant, marking the convergence point with Khlong Bangkok Noi. The story of Wat Chaiyaprueksamala Ratchaworawihan begins during the Ayutthaya period. Imagine this bustling city, filled with vibrant life and rich culture. Then, in 1767, a new capital was established at Thonburi. Bricks from Wat Chaiyaprueksamala Ratchaworawihan were taken to build the new city wall. The temple was left abandoned, a ghost of its former self. Years later, Crown Prince Chim, who would become King Rama II, attempted to rebuild the temple. Sadly, war interrupted the construction, leaving it unfinished once again. Wat Chaiyaprueksamala Ratchaworawihan remained in this state of incompletion until King Rama IV stepped in. In 1851, he provided funds to finally finish the restoration. He gave the temple its current name, Wat Chaiyaprueksamala Ratchaworawihan. Inside the old ordination hall, you’ll find Phra Phutthachai Mongkhon, the principal Buddha image. A nearby stupa houses the royal relics of King Rama III and other royal family members. This stupa, originally built during the reign of King Rama IV, was later restored in 1935. The temple continued to evolve. A new ordination hall, facing Khlong Maha Sawat, was constructed between 1973 and 1974. King Rama IX inaugurated it in 1978. He even performed the principal Buddha image casting ceremony there. Near the Khlong, you’ll find the sermon hall, a beautiful Thai-style structure built in 1938. Today, it serves the Kusol Suksa School, a local elementary school under the temple’s patronage. Wat Chaiyaprueksamala Ratchaworawihan stands as a testament to resilience and the enduring power of faith. It’s a place where history whispers from the ancient bricks, and where the spirit of Thailand thrives.