“The royal temple of King Rama V, renowned for its blend of Thai and Western architecture and the graceful ‘Dok Rampoei’ motif rich in cultural significance.”
The Origins of Wat Thepsirin
Wat Thepsirintrawat Ratchaworawihan was established during the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) in 1876. The temple was built to dedicate merit to his beloved mother, Queen Debsirindra, whose personal name was “Rampoei.” The temple’s name, “Thepsirin,” is derived from her royal title, reflecting a deep sense of filial piety. In this way, the temple can be seen as a sacred space of remembrance—a royal tribute from a devoted son to his mother, with emotional and symbolic significance that transcends mere religious function.
After construction was completed, the temple was officially granted monastic boundary on July 3, 1878, and was elevated to the status of a second-class royal temple (Ratchaworawihan). Later, in 1893, Wat Thepsirin was designated as the site of the Royal Cemetery (Suan Luang), where royal cremation ceremonies have since been held. This firmly rooted the temple within the heart of both Thai religious tradition and royal history.
The founding of Wat Thepsirintrawat was not just an act of religious devotion, but also a powerful expression of personal love and memory. It represents a unique intersection of monarchy, Buddhism, and emotion—making it a cultural landmark with both spiritual and historical depth.
Architecture
The Ordination Hall of Wat Thepsirin was built in a combination of Western neoclassical architecture and traditional Thai art. The building has a three-tiered roof covered with colored glazed tiles. The gable is decorated with intricately detailed stucco, reflecting the craftsmanship of the upper class of the era. Inside the hall is the main Buddha image, Phra Phuttha Srisakayamuni, It is the principal Buddha image, which is a replica of the Sukhothai Buddha image with elegance and reflecting serenity.
Serving as a residence for the King or the royal family, the new building was built 5 years ago. The “Ramphoei” pattern is the signature pattern of Her Royal Highness Princess Somdet Phra Thep Sirinthra Boromma Rajini, the mother of King Rama V. It conveys the gentleness grace and elegance of her personality. The window has a traditional Thai double-panel design featuring the image of a ‘Thepphanom’ (a divine being with hands in a praying gesture) as the main element. The figure is painted on a red background, surrounded by small gold dot patterns, which are typical of the art style from the reign of King Rama IV to Rama V. The ceiling is decorated with all the royal decorations available at that time, which is a rare decoration. The decorative arch features the royal emblem the Phra Kiao royal coronet placed on a tiered tray, carried by a three-headed elephant.
Wat Thepsirin and the local community
Wat Thepsirintrawat Ratchaworawihan, or simply Wat Thepsirin, is a royal temple of the highest class that holds religious, historical, and social significance. Since its establishment during the reign of King Rama V, it has played an important role in the development of the surrounding community. Located in what was once a suburban area, the temple became a center around which communities began to grow. It served as a spiritual and social hub for the local people.
Although Wat Thepsirin was built by royal patronage, it has always welcomed everyone — not just the nobility or upper class. Both commoners and members of the royal family have had equal access to the temple for making merit, praying, and participating in religious activities. This openness made it a public space that promoted social equality.
Another important aspect is the traditional Thai belief that temples should serve not only religious purposes but also as centers of education. This idea led to the founding of Debsirin School, one of the first government schools in Thailand. It was groundbreaking in that it allowed ordinary people, not just the elite, to receive a formal education. This marked a shift in social values and played a part in improving the quality of life for the local population.
Today, Wat Thepsirin continues to serve the community as a place for religious ceremonies, cultural events, and education. With its historic architecture and the royal cemetery of important historical figures, it also acts as a source of pride and a living link between Thailand’s past and present.
The Temple and the Crown
Wat Thepsirin is a second-class royal temple that is directly connected to King Rama V. It was built to honor Queen Debsirindra, the mother of King Rama V, and it is also the resting place of Prince Bhanurangsi and other descendants or relatives of King Rama V. It was also the first royal temple to have a crematorium, which led to the tradition that any royal funeral or ceremony in which the King wished to participate would be held exclusively at this temple. This deep love and bond are expressed through its architectural design and the temple’s role as a principal temple of the Chakri Dynasty.
Contributors
Pun, Prikkang, Elle and Aey
