Wat Ratchasittharam
| Wat Ratchasittharam Ratchaworawihan | |
|---|---|
วัดราชสิทธารามราชวรวิหาร | |
 | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Buddhist |
| Sect | Theravāda |
| Status | Second-class royal temple |
| Location | |
| Location | Wat Tha Phra subdistrict, Bangkok Yai district, Bangkok |
| Country | Thailand |
Wat Ratchasittharam Ratchaworawihan (Script error: The function "langx" does not exist.), commonly known as Wat Ratchasit or Wat Phlap, is a second-rank royal monastery (Phra Aram Luang Chan Tho Ratchaworawihan) of the Mahanikaya order in Theravāda Buddhism, located in the Bangkok Yai District of Bangkok, Thailand.[1]
It is situated by Khlong Wat Ratchasittharam and Khlong Wat Sang Krachai along Itsaraphap Road Soi 23 in the Wat Tha Phra Subdistrict of Bangkok Yai District.[2]
Area
The temple spans approximately 75 rai, with eastern and northern boundaries of about 7 sen each, and western and southern boundaries between 6 and 7 sen.[2]
History
Originally known as Wat Phlap, it was an ancient forest monastery (Aranyavāsi) dating back to the Ayutthaya period. Its prominence grew during the reign of King Rama I, who commissioned a new royal monastery adjacent to it and merged the two.[3] The temple became the residence of the esteemed meditation master Ariyavangsayana (Suk Nyanasamvara), a leading figure in the vipassanā tradition, and attracted members of the royal family as disciples.[4]
King Rama III later expanded the temple, adding a chedi, vihāra, sermon hall, and Chinese-style pavilions. He also renamed it Wat Ratchasittharam in 1831, having previously spent a monk’s sabbatical there. King Rama IV subsequently restored the chedi and gave it the name Phra Sirichumphot Chedi.[5]
Art and architecture
Ubosot
The ordination hall is surrounded by 24 small meditation kutis (monastic cells), each containing a Buddha image and a seat for meditation. A bronze statue of Somdet Phra Yannasangwon (Suk) occupies the kuti immediately to the left of the ubosot. The building is constructed of brick and mortar and features a two-tiered roof, with carved gables depicting Vishnu on Garuda.
The principal Buddha image, Phra Phutthachularak, is a gilded stucco sculpture in the Māravijaya posture; tradition holds that King Rama II sculpted the head and King Rama III the body. Statues of Moggallana, Sariputta, and Ananda flank the main image.
Murals illustrating the Buddha’s life, the Vessantara Jataka, the three worlds (heaven, human world, and hell), and various protective deities adorn the walls. Originating from the early Rattanakosin period, these murals have suffered damage due to humidity and have undergone partial restoration.[6]
Chedis
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Two Sinhalese-style chedis stand in front of the ubosot. Both are adorned with ornamental garlands and known collectively as *chedi song khruang* (“paired adorned chedis”).
Sala Kan Parian
The sermon hall, built in the architectural style favored during King Rama III’s reign, features decorative gables with floral motifs.
Vihāra
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There are two vihāras: the original “Red Vihāra,” once entirely painted red but now rebuilt, and a second vihāra enshrining the Jade Buddha image called Phra Phuttha Metta.
Royal residential halls
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The temple houses two royal residences: Phra Tamnak Chan (Sandalwood Pavilion), built by King Rama II for Rama III during his monkhood, and Phra Tamnak Koeng (Chinese Pavilion). Rama III later renovated them with teak and other hardwoods, replacing much of the original sandalwood.[7]
Meditation museum
The temple includes a meditation museum (Khana 5) showcasing the life of Somdet Phra Yannasangwon (Suk) and the meditation tradition of Wat Ratchasittharam.
Abbots
During the Rattanakosin era, the following individuals served as abbots of Wat Ratchasittharam:[8]
| No. | Name | Term began | Term ended |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ariyavangsayana (Suk Nyanasamvara) | 1822 | |
| 2 | Phra Phrommuni (Chit) | 1822 | 1825 |
| 3 | Phra Thep Moli (Klin) | 1825 | 1826 |
| 4 | Phra Pitak Kosol Thera (Kaew) | 1827 | unknown |
| 5 | Phra Yannasangwon (Duang) | 1825 | 1836 |
| 6 | Phra Yannakosol Thera (Rung) | 1843 | 1852 |
| 7 | Phra Yannasangwon (Bun) | 1852 | 1854 |
| 8 | Phra Yokabhirat Thera (Mi) | 1854 | 1859 |
| 9 | Phra Amornmethacharn (That) | 1859 | 1860 |
| 10 | Phra Sangwananuwong Thera (Mek) | 1860 | 1886 |
| 11 | Phra Suthamthirakun (Koet) | 1886 | 1886 |
| 12 | Phra Amornmethacharn (Ket) | 1886 | 1886 |
| 13 | Phra Sangwananuwong Thera (Chum) | 1915 | 1927 |
| 14 | Phra Sangwananuwong Thera (Iam) | 1913 | 1913 |
| 15 | Phra Mongkhonthepmuni (Iam) | 1914 | 1923 |
| 16 | Phra Sangwananuwong Thera (Son) | 1932 | 1957 |
| 17 | Phra Ratchawisutthiyan (Yu) | 1961 | 1969 |
| 18 | Phra Ratchasangwon Wisut (Bunlert Khosako) | 1971 | 1982 |
| 19 | Phra Thammarattanawisut (Phlaingam Chandasuwanno) | 1982 | 19 May 2017 |
| 20 | Phra Ratchawisutthiphon (Chaiwat Chayawatho) | 20 January 2018 | present |
References
- Notes
- ↑ Royal Gazette, Announcement of the Ministry of Education, Department of Ecclesiastical Affairs, Reorganization of Royal Monasteries Archived 2011-11-09 at the Wayback Machine, Vol. 32, 3 October 1915, p. 290
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 History of Wat Ratchasittharam Ratchaworawihan, p. 1
- ↑ "History of Wat Ratchasittharam Ratchaworawihan". Wat Ratchasittharam. 30 January 2011. Retrieved 10 April 2016.
- ↑ History of Wat Ratchasittharam Ratchaworawihan, pp. 2–3
- ↑ History of Wat Ratchasittharam Ratchaworawihan, p. 6
- ↑ “Wat Ratchasittharam… Mural paintings on the Thonburi side”, Bright J., https://pantip.com/topic/35794083
- ↑ Wat Ratchasittharam Ratchaworawihan, Dhammathai.org. http://www.dhammathai.org/watthai/bangkok/watratchasittharam.php
- ↑ "Former abbots of Wat Ratchasittharam". Wat Ratchasittharam. 30 January 2011. Retrieved 10 April 2016.
- Bibliography
- Phra Maha Somkid Suratecho (2005). History of Wat Ratchasittharam Ratchaworawihan. Bangkok: Thammamethi-Sahai Printing. Search this book on
