Contemplate this. What if a temple’s name hinted at its origin? Wat Kharuehabodi stands before us. Its name means “millionaire temple”.
Wat Kharuehabodi is a Thai Buddhist temple. It sits by the Chao Phraya River. It is in Bangkok’s Bang Phlat district. This is a third-class royal monastery. Phraya Ratchamontri Borirak founded it.
Phraya Ratchamontri Borirak received a new house from King Rama III. Phrasri Sunthorn Woharn once lived there. Phraya Ratchamontri Borirak donated his land and the old house. He built the temple to honor the king. Thus, Wat Kharuehabodi was born.
Look at the twelve-indented corners chedi. It has a circular bell shape. This architectural style is popular in Sri Lanka. It was built at the end of King Rama III’s reign. The temple boasts a beautiful layout plan. Notice the front approach.
Near the river, see the strangely shaped golden chedi. Inside are believed to be sacred relics of the Buddha. This chedi was built in 2004.
Wat Kharuehabodi houses Phra Saekkham. Phra Saekkham is the principal Buddha image. Many legends surround its origin. It is a Maravijaya attitude image. It was supposedly created during Queen Camadevi’s reign. She was the first ruler of Haripuñjaya. Its ownership passed through various kingdoms. These kingdoms were Lan Na, Lan Xang, and Vientiane.
Stories vary about how the image moved from Vientiane to Siam. It may have been taken during the Lao–Siamese War. That was between 1778 and 1779. Or, it could have been during the Lao rebellion between 1826 and 1828. King Rama III later gave the image to the temple. Phra Saekkham is mentioned in Bang Phlat district’s motto.
Wat Kharuehabodi is at the end of Soi Charansanitwong 44. It is in the Bang Yi Khan subdistrict. This is in the Bang Phlat district of Bangkok. Consider this temple. It is a testament to faith and history. Its story connects royal patronage. It links architectural beauty, and legendary Buddha images. Wat Kharuehabodi stands as a treasure. It enriches Bangkok’s cultural landscape.