Rising majestically before you, the towering Buddha of Wat Intharawihan embodies faith and history. This is Wat Intharawihan. It is a Third Class Royal temple in Bangkok’s Phra Nakhon District. But this temple holds more than meets the eye. Its story weaves through kingdoms and reflects deep devotion.
Wat Intharawihan began as Wat Rai Phrik. Imagine vegetable gardens surrounding it. This earned it the name “Vegetable fields Wat”. This was during the Ayutthaya Kingdom.
Later, King Rama I provided land for prisoners of war here. This marked a shift in the temple’s purpose. It became a place of solace.
King Vajiravudh later refurbished the temple. Chao Inthawong brought a priest from Vientiane. This is when it became Wat Intharavihan.
Now, look up at Luang Pho To. It is also known as “Phra Si Ariyamettrai”. This standing Buddha statue is the heart of Wat Intharawihan. It stretches 32 meters high and 10 meters wide. Somdej Toh inspired its creation.
Construction began in 1867. It spanned sixty long years and completed in 1927. Somdej Toh died at the statue’s foot in 1871. He never saw his vision fully realized.
Devotees now climb stairways to paste gold leaf on the statue. The gilded bust of Somdej Toh stands at the entrance. It honors his dedication.
In 1982, Bangkok celebrated its 200th anniversary. The statue was refurbished. Italian golden mosaic tiles now adorn it.
Notice the topknot. It is called ushnisha. It holds a relic of Gautama Buddha. The government of Sri Lanka gifted this relic. Prince Vajiralongkorn placed the knot in 1978.
Step inside the Ubosot. It is the ordination hall. Its architecture reflects the Ayutthaya Kingdom. The hall was refurbished in 1982. Italian marble decorates the lower part. Traditional paintings line the walls. The sema boundary posts stand over naga images.
Here, murals depict daily life. Amulets are made and sold. This continues ancient traditions.
A chamber enshrines an image of Phra Puttahachan. He was a former abbot. The wax image sits over a spring of water. Water from Thailand’s regions fills containers here. Air conditioning preserves the wax image. Devotees meditate in this dimly lit space.
Find the shrine dedicated to Guanyin. She is a female form of Avalokiteśvara. She is a bodhisattva of Mahayana Buddhism.
Devotees offer mackerel, boiled eggs, and flower garlands here. They place these at the Buddha’s feet. They believe Luang Pho To blesses them with success.
King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit covered the Buddha’s forehead and topknot with gold leaves in 1964 and 1967.
Wat Intharawihan stands as a testament to faith. It reflects artistic dedication and royal patronage. Its history is etched in every brick and mosaic. As you leave, remember the serene face of Luang Pho To. Carry its message of peace. Let it bring you success.