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WAT BUPPHARAM WORAWIHARN

Tanyasiri Chanangklang
April 25, 2024

Wat Buppharam Worawiharn, located in Thonburi, Bangkok, Thailand, is a historic Buddhist temple with origins dating back to the Ayutthaya period. As one of the oldest temples in Bangkok, it is renowned for its exquisite architecture and ancient mural paintings.

History of Wat Buppharam Worawiharn

Wat Buppharam Worawiharn, also known as Wat Dok Mai, is a significant Buddhist temple located in Bangkok, Thailand. Its history is intertwined with the development of Bangkok and the Chakri Dynasty, which has ruled Thailand since the late 18th century.

The temple was originally established in the Ayutthaya period, which lasted from 1350 to 1767. However, it gained prominence during the reign of King Rama III (1824-1851) of the Chakri Dynasty. King Rama III is known for his efforts in promoting Buddhism and for his contributions to the construction and restoration of many temples in Thailand. During his reign, Wat Buppharam Worawiharn underwent significant renovations and expansions, which contributed to its current architectural and spiritual significance.

What is the historical significance of Wat Buppharam Worawiharn

Wat Buppharam Worawiharn holds historical significance for several reasons, reflecting its importance in Thailand’s religious, cultural, and social spheres. Its historical significance can be outlined through various aspects:

Religious Significance: As a center for Buddhist worship and spiritual practice, Wat Buppharam Worawiharn plays a crucial role in the religious life of the local community and Thai Buddhists in general. It houses important Buddha images and relics, making it a focal point for religious ceremonies, meditation, and pilgrimage. The temple’s history is intertwined with the spread and development of Theravada Buddhism in Thailand, reflecting the religion’s evolution and its central role in Thai society.
Royal Connections: The temple’s history and development are closely linked with the Chakri Dynasty, which has ruled Thailand since the late 18th century. Its renovation during the reign of King Rama III highlights the monarchy’s patronage of Buddhism and its active involvement in the construction and restoration of religious sites. This connection underscores the intertwined nature of Buddhism and monarchy in Thailand, where kings are seen as protectors and patrons of the religion.
Community Center: Beyond its religious functions, Wat Buppharam Worawihan serves as a community hub, offering educational programs, moral and spiritual guidance, and social services. The temple’s monks engage in teaching and community work, embodying the Buddhist principles of compassion and service. This aspect of the temple’s role highlights the social significance of Buddhist temples in Thailand, where they act as centers for learning, social welfare, and cultural preservation.

Signature Architecture

In the center, there is a large golden Buddha statue, flanked by two standing Buddha statues. The statues are positioned in meditative and reassuring gestures and the background wall features painted scenes depicting Buddhist lore. Having multiple Buddha statues surrounding the main Buddha statue in a solemn space like a Buddhist temple is often done to demonstrate respect and reverence for the Buddha and the saints in Buddhism. The surrounding Buddha statues typically represent holy beings, disciples of the Buddha, or important figures in Buddhist history. The arrangement of multiple Buddha statues can also create a sacred space and evoke a sense of peace for visitors, helping them focus on spirituality and meditation.

This is a stone statue of a mythical creature, commonly known as a “Foo Dog” or “Fu Dog.” These statues are often placed at the entrances of temples, palaces, and other significant structures in Chinese culture. The statue is intricately carved with details in the fur, facial features, and muscular body, depicting it in a seated position with its mouth open, as if it is growling or guarding the place.

This statue symbolizes a guardian and brings good luck. It is believed that these statues have powerful mystical protective benefits and are often placed in pairs to guard the entrances, ward off evil spirits, and negative energy. It represents the fusion of art, religion, and cultural heritage.

The structures outside the temple

Phra Ubosot (chapel) entrance. At the top of Phra Ubosot (chapel) entrance is the great crown of victory. It is a symbol of king Rama 4. Additionally, the door is made from teak. The outside is attached to the copper plate and carved the ground with a hibiscus mutabilis pattern. The upper part is the pattern of the great crown of victory, the middle is seal of thai ministry of foreign affairs ( it is a god sitting in the lotus and hold the the lotus n the right side ) and the lower part is a pattern of Somdej Chao Phraya Borom Maha Suriyawong and Chao Phraya Thipakornwong.

Vihana arch, there is thai-Chinese architecture. He was a royal in the reign of King Rama 3. At the top is the great victory and around it is decorated with hibiscus mutabilis.

Phra Ubosot (chapel) gable is decorated with the gable apex (the ornament roof point) and The pediment (the triangular upper part of the front of a building). In the middle is the seal of Suriya Monthon and the lower part is the image of the 5 Buddhas.

Explore the paintings

Inside Wat Buppharam Worawihan, there are paintings depicting various situations related to Thai Buddhism, such as the story of the Buddha, the ten incarnations of the Buddha, and more.

In these slideshows, you can observe various paintings on the walls, each accompanied by an explanation of its significance.