Beneath the Bangkok sun, Wat Parinayok Worawihan stands as a testament to history and devotion. Wat Parinayok is more than just a temple. It is a third-class royal temple of the Worawihan type. You will find it nestled in the Phra Nakhon District of Bangkok.
Originally, this temple was known as Wat Phrom Surin. Its story begins in 2353 during King Phutthaloetla Naphalai’s reign. Chaophraya Bodindecha built it. He was then known as Phra Phrom Surin. Thus, the temple bore his royal title.
King Nangklao later accepted it as a royal temple. He continued its construction. He renamed it Wat Parinayok. This name honors Chao Phraya Bodindecha. He was the Samuha Nayok at that time. Parinayok means the great general, who is the partner of the great emperor.
Look around. Notice the unique shape of the land. Because Wat Parinayok is on the bank of Khlong Bang Lamphu, the area is long and narrow like a flag. The flagpole sits on the west side by the canal. The flag’s end reaches east, near the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives.
Originally, Wat Parinayok spanned a vast area. It stretched from Lan Luang Road to the temple’s present site. However, the construction of Ratchadamnoen Road in 1899 cut into the temple grounds. Wat Parinayok lost a significant portion of its land.
King Chulalongkorn ordered Wat Parinayok to be rebuilt. A new chapel was constructed. The serpent-shaped leaves from the old chapel were carefully moved and installed around the new one.
Today, Wat Parinayok still stands. It stands as a serene escape from the city’s hustle. The temple’s Ubosot houses a magnificent bronze Buddha image named Phra Suraphi Phuttha Phim. It reflects the Sukhothai style, dating back six or seven centuries.
Spending time here allows a deeper connection with Bangkok’s past. Wat Parinayok Worawihan is a symbol of resilience. It honors tradition amidst change. It is a place where history whispers on the breeze.