Wat Kalayanamit Woramahawihan

Background History of the Temple

Wat Kalayanamit Woramahawiharn is regarded as one of the most valuable temples in Thon Buri. It was established during the reign of King Rama III along the Chao Phraya River, near the entrance of Khlong Bangkok Yai. In 1825, Chao Phraya Nikhon Bodin (To Kalayanamit) offered his residence and land to the King and also purchased additional nearby land for the temple’s construction. King Rama III later granted the temple the name Wat Kalayanamit.

 

Location and Directions

Transportation: Take the MRT to Sanam Chai Station, Exit 5, then walk to Pak Khlong Talat Pier and take a cross-river ferry to the temple.

Location: No. 371, Soi Arun Amarin 6, Arun Amarin Road, Wat Kanlaya Subdistrict, Thonburi District, Bangkok, Thailand.

Four Main Points of Worship

 

1. Buddha Receiving Offerings from an Elephant and a Monkey (Parileyyaka)

This important Buddha image is a cast bronze statue showing the Buddha in a meditation pose, seated on a lotus throne. Both hands rest on the lap, with the right palm facing upward as if receiving an offering. At the Buddha’s feet are two symbolic attendants: the elephant Palilayaka holding a water container and a monkey offering a honeycomb. The statue is one and a half times life size, and the base is beautifully decorated with carved bas-relief panels showing animals, flowers, lotus ponds, and mythical creatures. This image is admired for both its artistic beauty and its religious meaning.

 

2. Hor Phra Dharma Monthien Chaloem Phra Kiat

Hor Phra Dharma Monthien Chaloem Phra Kiat is the scripture hall used to keep the Tripitaka and other sacred Buddhist texts. It is located near the main chapel and was built to replace the older scripture hall. The building is a two-story brick structure in traditional Thai style, with a surrounding corridor. Its roof is richly decorated with chofa, bai raka, and hang hong, while the gables, doors, and windows are adorned with gold, colored glass, floral motifs, and royal symbols. This building reflects the importance of preserving Buddhist teachings and also shows fine Thai artistic craftsmanship.

 

3. The Main Vihara (or Ordination Hall) of Luang Por Sam Por Kong

The Main Vihara is one of the most important buildings in the temple because it houses Phra Phuttha Trairatana Nayok, widely known as Luang Por To or Sam Por Kong. This large Buddha image is made of stucco, lacquered, and covered with gold leaf, and it is shown in the Mara-Vijaya posture. The vihara was built during the reign of King Rama III and stands facing the Chao Phraya River, making it a significant architectural and spiritual center of the temple. The building is decorated in traditional Thai style with a glazed-tile roof, gilded carvings, and colored glass. In front of the vihara are Chinese stone statues called the Soom Khlon Thawan (ซุ้มโขลนทวาร) and a stone gate carved with auspicious symbols, which people believe can bring good fortune.

4.  The Small Vihara of Phra Phuttha Dilok Lokachet

The Small Vihara was built in 1827 and completed together with the ordination hall in 1835. It is located within the inner area of the temple and has a form similar to the ordination hall. The building is especially notable for its royal artistic style, which combines Thai and Chinese design. Inside, there are many Buddha images, and the principal one is called Phra Phuttha Dilok Lokachet, shown in the Mara-Vijaya posture. The mural paintings inside are particularly important because they depict past Buddhas and also reflect the art, culture, and daily life of people during the reign of King Rama III. For this reason, the Small Vihara is valued not only as a religious place but also as an important historical and artistic treasure.

3D 

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Contributors

Rujapa Punrod

Papinpit Junsetthee