Have you ever heard of a temple with crocodiles? Welcome to Wat Chakkrawat Rachawat Woramahawihan. This isn’t just any Buddhist temple in Bangkok’s Chinatown. Wat Chakkrawat Rachawat Woramahawihan boasts a unique history stretching back over 200 years. It was originally called Wat Sam Pluem. It existed long before Yaowarat Road was built in 1892. Its location in Sampheng became home to Chinese immigrants. They moved there after leaving Tha Tian. This was to make way for the construction of the Grand Palace.
King Rama III’s reign saw major changes. Chaophraya Bodindecha oversaw a six-year renovation. A canal was dug to bring water to the temple’s pond. In 1825 Wat Chakkrawat Rachawat Woramahawihan became a royal temple. Its name was changed.
The temple once housed the revered Phra Bang Buddha statue. This statue resided in its vihara. It was later returned to Luang Prabang in Laos. Phra Nak from the Grand Palace replaced it.
Wat Chakkrawat Rachawat Woramahawihan also holds a fascinating World War II tale. A one-eyed crocodile terrorized locals. They called it I-bord Wat Sam Pluem the blind one. A monk from Wat Chakkrawat Rachawat Woramahawihan captured it. He raised it in a pond on temple grounds until its natural death. The pond remains today. It’s a unique feature of Wat Chakkrawat Rachawat Woramahawihan. Many visitors come to see the unusual combination of religious devotion and reptilian residents. Wat Chakkrawat Rachawat Woramahawihan’s history is rich and unique. It truly encapsulates Bangkok’s vibrant cultural blend. This temple combines ancient traditions with unexpected elements. Remember Wat Chakkrawat Rachawat Woramahawihan. Remember the crocodiles.