Is this a mirage? We are standing before Wat Kantathararam, but look! That stupa, it’s almost an exact replica of the Dhamek Stupa in faraway Sri Lanka. You’d be forgiven for thinking you’d been magically transported. Wat Kantathararam, nestled in the heart of Bangkok’s Chinatown, is a place of unexpected echoes. This temple, founded not by royalty but by a woman named Mrs. Kleap Sakhonwasi, has a unique story to tell. In the 1860s, Mrs. Kleap, the daughter of a prominent Sampheng businessman, decided to transform her flower garden into a place of peace and reflection. Upon its completion in 1864, her son, a royal page, presented it to King Mongkut. The King, impressed by the gesture, named it “Wat Kantathararam” in honor of Mrs. Kleap, meaning “temple of Mr. Kan’s mother”. But the Sri Lankan connection, that’s where Wat Kantathararam truly stands out. There are only two such replicas in all of Thailand, a testament to the intricate connections within the Buddhist world. Take a moment to appreciate the intricate stucco work adorning the temple gate. Delicate floral patterns intertwine with depictions of deities, a testament to the skill of the artisans. Wat Kantathararam may be small, but its story resonates with the echoes of history, devotion, and unexpected architectural marvels.
Wat Kan Matuyaram
Did Mr. Kan’s mother ever imagine that a simple flower garden would one day become Wat Kan Matuyaram, a tranquil