Imagine standing on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. Right before us stands Wat Thewarat Kunchon Worawihan. This temple is not just a place of worship. It’s a testament to Bangkok’s rich history. Wat Thewarat Kunchon Worawihan has been a national monument since 1949.
Let’s journey back in time. Before the Rattanakosin Kingdom, this temple already existed. King Rama I rebuilt it. It was then known as Wat Samor Kraeng. Prince Phitakdeves Kunchorn completed further restorations. He rebuilt the ordination hall in the style of Wat Phra Kaew. King Rama IV designated it a third-class royal temple. He honored Prince Kunchorn by renaming it Wat Thewarat Kunchon.
Now, look at the Ordination Hall. It houses the principal Buddha image. It’s called Phra Buddha Thewaratpatimakorn. King Rama IX gave it this name in 2003. The image shows Buddha subduing Mara.
Notice the walls. Beautiful murals adorn them. They depict deities paying respect to Lord Buddha. Other murals show monks meditating. Episodes from the Sama Jataka are also displayed.
The Mondop is beautifully decorated. It has four gable ends topped with golden steeples. Inside, you’ll find a collection of Buddha images. One of them is Luang Pho Dam. The Vihara contains eight Buddha images. The Suchada Pavilion holds a reclining Buddha. The Paolina Pavilion has a single Buddha image.
Let’s step into the Golden Teak Museum. It’s housed in an antique teakwood house. This house was brought from Phrae province. The museum preserves golden teak wood. It also serves as a Buddhist Knowledge Center.
Inside, the ground floor tells the temple’s history. It also covers the museum building’s story. The first floor displays replicas of supreme patriarchs. You’ll also see antique furniture. Photos of King Bhumibol Adulyadej are on display. An ancient Ayutthaya period Buddha image stands here.
Wat Thewarat Kunchon also has a unique tradition. Worshippers offer sets of monk’s robes as merit. This was the first temple in Thailand to adopt this tradition.
Remember Wat Thewarat Kunchon Worawihan. It is a place where history and art intertwine. A place where you can experience the heart of Thai culture.