# Wat Benchamabophit

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Buddhist temple in Bangkok, Thailand

Wat Benchamabophit Religion Affiliation Theravada Buddhism Location Location Dusit District, Bangkok Country Thailand Location in Bangkok Coordinates 13°45′59.7″N 100°30′50.7″E / 13.766583°N 100.514083°E / 13.766583; 100.514083 Architecture Architect Prince Narisara Nuwattiwong[1] Completed 1911; 115 years ago (1911)[1]

**Wat Benchamabophit Dusitvanaram** ([Thai](/source/Thai_language): วัดเบญจมบพิตรดุสิตวนาราม; [pronunciation](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/transcoded/9/99/TH-Wat_Benchamabophit.ogg/TH-Wat_Benchamabophit.ogg.mp3)[ⓘ](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:TH-Wat_Benchamabophit.ogg)) is a [Buddhist](/source/Buddhist) [temple](/source/Temple) ([wat](/source/Wat)) located in the [Dusit District](/source/Dusit_District) of [Bangkok](/source/Bangkok), [Thailand](/source/Thailand). Also known as the **Marble Temple**, it is one of the city's most renowned religious landmarks and a major tourist attraction. The temple is celebrated for its refined architectural composition, exemplifying Bangkok's ornate style with high [gables](/source/Gable), multi-tiered roofs, and elaborate [finials](/source/Finial). Its layout and decorative program reflect a synthesis of traditional Thai aesthetics with subtle European influences introduced during the reign of [Chulalongkorn](/source/Chulalongkorn).[2][3]

## Construction

Construction of the temple began in 1899 at the request of King [Chulalongkorn](/source/Chulalongkorn) after building his palace nearby. The temple's name literally means 'the Temple of the fifth King located near [Dusit Palace](/source/Dusit_Palace)'.[2] It was designed by [Prince Naris](/source/Narisaranuvadtivongs), a half-brother of the king, and is built of Italian [marble](/source/Marble).[1] It has display of Carrara marble pillars, a marble courtyard and two large *singhas* (lions) guarding the entrance to the bot. The interiors are decorated with crossbeams of lacquer and gold, and in shallow niches in the walls of paintings of important *[stupas](/source/Stupas)* all over the country.[1] The cloister around the assembly hall houses 52 images of Buddha.[1]

## The temple

The Ordination Hall

The ordination hall (*[ubosot](/source/Ubosot)*) was designed and supervised by Prince [Narisara Nuwattiwong](/source/Narisara_Nuwattiwong) in a cruciform plan, with an elongated eastern porch and side porches linking to the surrounding cloister. Its design combines traditional Thai and Khmer-inspired forms with Western elements: multi-tiered, ornamented roofs and carved gilt pediments on each façade follow Thai convention, while the cloister, barred blind windows and boundary stones (*[sema](/source/Bai_sema)*) show Khmer influence. The hall stands within a balustraded enclosure, with lotus-bud and [Dharmachakra](/source/Dharmachakra) boundary markers set in pink and grey granite paving. Italian marble facing and stained-glass panels above the windows, which admit coloured light into the interior in a manner reminiscent of Christian churches, reflect Western influence.[4]

## Replica of Phra Phuttha Chinnarat

Replica of Phra Phuttha Chinnarat inside the *[ubosot](/source/Ubosot)*

Inside the ordination hall stands the principal Buddha image, a Sukhothai-style statue known as *Phra Buddhajinaraja*. Modelled on the original at [Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat](/source/Wat_Phra_Si_Rattana_Mahathat) in [Phitsanulok](/source/Phitsanulok), it was cast in 1920 and is a copy of *Phra Buddha Chinarat*, the renowned Buddha image enshrined in Phitsanulok in northern Thailand.[5] The ashes of King [Chulalongkorn](/source/Chulalongkorn) are interred beneath the statue.

The replica of *Phra Phuttha Chinnarat* was commissioned by King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), who wished to install a Buddha image of exceptional beauty as the principal image of the *ubosot*. He held particular admiration for the original image at Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat, which he had visited with his father, King [Mongkut](/source/Mongkut) (Rama IV), during his novice ordination in 1866. King Chulalongkorn assigned Prince [Damrong Rajanubhab](/source/Damrong_Rajanubhab) to supervise the casting, with Phra Prasit Pattima as the principal craftsman. The image was cast in Phitsanulok using melted, decommissioned brass cannons; the casting ceremony began on 20 October 1901, and the completed image was enshrined at Wat Benchamabophit on 13 December 1901, followed by an eye-opening ritual and consecration.[6]

The replica belongs to the Sukhothai "Phra Phuttha Chinnarat" subgroup. It depicts the Buddha in the *māra-vijaya* posture, with an egg-shaped face, small curls of hair, a flame-like aureole, broad shoulders and a narrow waist. A slender strip of the *sanghati* descends to the navel and splits into two inward-curving tips, while the fingers of the right hand are of equal length.[7]

In the gallery surrounding the ordination hall are 52 Buddha statues, each displaying a different *[mudra](/source/Mudra)* (gesture), collected by Prince Damrong Rajanubhab for his king.[5] The temple complex also contains the Benchamabophit National Museum. The image of the temple's façade appears on the reverse of the [five-baht coin](/source/Five-baht_coin) of the Thai currency, and the temple served as the tenth and final elimination pit stop on *[The Amazing Race 9](/source/The_Amazing_Race_9)*.[5]

## Canal

Along the side of the marble ubosot of Wat Benchamabophit runs a small canal (*[khlong](/source/Khlong)*) crossed by three bridges: *Saphan Phra Rup* (สะพานพระรูป), *Saphan Thuai* (สะพานถ้วย), and *Saphan Ngan* (สะพานเงิน).

		- Bridge over the canal beside the marble ubosot.

		- *Saphan Phra Rup*: plaque noting the bridge was funded by Prince Sanphasat Suphakit from proceeds of selling gilded embossed copper plaques; built in R.S. 119 (1900) and completed in R.S. 121 (1902).

		- Inscription on *Saphan Thuai* (Cup Bridge): funded by proceeds from the sale of gilded tea cups from the royal cremation ceremony; dedicated by King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) in R.S. 119 (1900) and completed in R.S. 121 (1902).

## Worship and festivals

Merit makers come to the monks of the temple for getting alms every morning. Between 06:00–07:30 in the morning, monks line up on Nakhon Pathom with their bowls to receive donations of curry, rice, lotus buds, incense, toiletries and other essentials.[8] The evening candlelight procession around the bot during the Buddhist festivals of [Magha Puja](/source/Magha_Puja) (in February) and [Visakha Puja](/source/Visakha_Puja) (in May) are common at this temple.[8]

## Protection

In 2005, the temple was submitted to [UNESCO](/source/UNESCO) for consideration as a future [World Heritage Site](/source/World_Heritage_Site).

## Gallery

		- The marble ordination hall (*[ubosot](/source/Ubosot)*)

		- The cloister, with rows of hanging bells along the eaves.

		- The cloister

		- *[khlong](/source/Khlong)* and the *ubosot*

		- "[Sala](/source/Sala_(Thai_architecture)) Nam" at khlong in temple compound

		- A new monk is [ordained](/source/Ordination) in the temple, January 2005

		- [Monks](/source/Monk) as seen from the outside (photography is not permitted inside the temple)

		- In front of The Marble Temple

		- The temple door with elaborate design

		- Window with Thai-style ornamentation

		- Interior stained glass windows of the Ubosot

		- Phra Thinang Song Phanot, a royal pavilion within Wat Benchamabophit

		- Phra Thinang Song Tham, a royal pavilion within Wat Benchamabophit

		- Bowarawong Bell Tower

## Notes

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Spooner_1-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Spooner_1-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Spooner_1-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-Spooner_1-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-Spooner_1-4) Spooner 2011

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Rangan_2-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Rangan_2-1) Datta, Rangan (2 December 2022). ["Bangkok's Wat Benchamabophit, known for its stunning architecture, is unique and elegant"](https://www.telegraphindia.com/my-kolkata/places/wat-benchamabophit-or-the-marble-temple-in-bangkok-is-an-architectural-beauty-with-european-influence/cid/1901534). The Telegraph. My Kolkata. Retrieved 26 October 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** Norwich 2001, p. 266

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** ศักดิ์ชัย สายสิงห์. (2566). **คู่มือนำชม ๓๓ พระอารามหลวงแห่งกรุงรัตนโกสินทร์**. กรุงเทพ: สำนักพิมพ์เมืองโบราณ. 437–441

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Emmons_5-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Emmons_5-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Emmons_5-2) Emmons 2008, p. 58

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** ศักดิ์ชัย สายสิงห์. (2566). **คู่มือนำชม ๓๓ พระอารามหลวงแห่งกรุงรัตนโกสินทร์**. กรุงเทพ: สำนักพิมพ์เมืองโบราณ. 445–446

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** ศักดิ์ชัย สายสิงห์. (2566). **คู่มือนำชม ๓๓ พระอารามหลวงแห่งกรุงรัตนโกสินทร์**. กรุงเทพ: สำนักพิมพ์เมืองโบราณ. 445–446

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Ridout_8-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Ridout_8-1) Ridout 2009

## References

- Spooner, Andrew; Hana Borrowman; William Baldwin (2011), [*Footprint Thailand*](https://books.google.com/books?id=z9RsdHajfucC&pg=PA99), UK: Footprint Books, pp. 103–104, [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1-904777-94-6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-904777-94-6)

- Ridout, Lucy; Paul Gray (2009), [*The Rough Guide to Thailand's Beaches & Islands*](https://books.google.com/books?id=SiusMRRcvS4C&q=wat+arun&pg=PT270), India: Rough Guides, [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1-84836-091-4](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-84836-091-4)

- Norwich, John Julius (2001), [*Great architecture of the world*](https://books.google.com/books?id=Oo2BjGYRIT0C&pg=PA266), US: Da Capo Press Inc., [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0-306-81042-5](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-306-81042-5)

- Emmons, Ron (2008), [*Top 10 Bangkok*](https://books.google.com/books?id=ebnIm-cEt5sC&q=wat+arun&pg=PA26), New York: DK, [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9780756636494](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9780756636494)

## External links

- Media related to [Wat Benchamabophit](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Wat_Benchamabophit) at Wikimedia Commons

- [The Marble Temple of Thailand](http://expo.nectec.or.th/pavilions/watbencha/) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20070710123055/http://expo.nectec.or.th/pavilions/watbencha/) 2007-07-10 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine)

v t e First-Class Royal Temples Ratchaworamahawihan Wat Arun Wat Mahathat Yuwaratrangsarit Wat Pho Wat Suthat Wat Phra Pathommachedi Wat Phra Phutthabat Ratchaworawihan Wat Niwet Thammaprawat Wat Senasanaram Wat Suwan Dararam Wat Benchamabophit Wat Bowonniwet Wat Ratchabophit Wat Ratchaorasaram Wat Ratchapradit Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat Wat Phra Borommathat Chaiya Woramahawihan Wat Phra Si Mahathat Wat Phra Singh Wat Yansangwararam Wat Phra That Hariphunchai Wat Phra That Phanom Wat Phra Mahathat Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat

v t e Tourist attractions in Bangkok Places of worship Buddhist temples (Wats) Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) Wat Benchamabophit (Marble Temple) Wat Bowonniwet Wat Champa Wat Chana Songkram Wat Hong Rattanaram Wat Ko Wat Kalayanamitr (Big Buddha) Wat Mahathat Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen Wat Pathum Khongkha Wat Pathum Wanaram Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha) Wat Phra Kaew (Emerald Buddha) Wat Prayurawongsawat Wat Rakhangkhositaram Wat Ratchabophit Wat Ratchaburana (Wat Liap) Wat Ratchanatdaram Wat Ratchapradit Wat Saket (Golden Mount) Wat Suthat (Giant Swing) Wat Suwannaram Wat Traimit (Golden Buddha) Wat Yannawa Churches Holy Rosary Church Assumption Cathedral Holy Redeemer Church Immaculate Conception Church Santa Cruz Church Other religious buildings Bang Luang Mosque (Kudi Khao) Devasathan Erawan Shrine Giant Swing (Sao Chingcha) Guan Yu Shrine Guanyin Shrine Kian Un Keng Shrine Lak Mueang (City Pillar Shrine) Leng Buai Ia Shrine Mariamman Temple Tiger God Shrine Ton Son Mosque Wat Dibayavari Vihara (Kham Low Yi) Wat Mangkon Kamalawat (Leng Noei Yi) Wat Bamphen Chin Phrot (Yong Hok Yi) Palaces Bang Khun Phrom Palace Devavesm Palace Dusit Palace Grand Palace Phaya Thai Palace Suan Pakkad Palace Thonburi Palace Museums and cultural performances Ban Bu Community Bangkok Aquarium Bangkok Art and Culture Centre Bangkok Folk Museum Bangkok National Museum Bank of Thailand Museum Ban Mo Wan ChangChui Creative Park Coin Museum Jim Thompson House Khlong Bang Luang Artist House King Prajadhipok Museum Lhong 1919 Madame Tussauds Bangkok M.R. Kukrit's House Museum of Contemporary Art Museum Siam Pavilion of Regalia, Royal Decorations and Coins Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute Sala Chalermkrung Royal Theatre Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World Siam Commercial Bank, Talat Noi Branch Silpa Bhirasri National Museum Siriraj Medical Museum So Heng Tai Mansion Thailand Cultural Centre National Gallery National Museum of Royal Barges Markets and malls Asiatique Central Embassy CentralWorld Chatuchak Weekend Market Emporium EmQuartier Gaysorn Village Iconsiam Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market Khlong Toei Market Kwan Riam Floating Market MBK Center Nang Loeng Market Pak Khlong Talat Market (Flower Market) Pantip Plaza Patpong Night Market Pattavikorn Market Pratunam Market (Clothing Market) River City Shopping Complex Sampheng Samyan Mitrtown Saphan Han (Toys and Ladies Market) Siam Center Siam Discovery Siam Paragon Siam Square Soi Lalai Sap Suan Lum Night Bazaar Ratchadaphisek Talat Phlu Talat Rotfai Taling Chan Floating Market Terminal 21 Tha Din Daeng Thonburi Market (Sanam Luang II) Trok Mo Market Wang Lang Market Yodpiman River Walk Bridges, streets and transport facilities Bangkok railway station (Hua Lamphong) Bhumibol Bridge (Mega Bridge) BTS Skytrain Captain Bush Lane Chaloem La 56 Bridge (Elephant's Heads Bridge) Charoen Krung Road Dinso Road Don Mueang Airport Khaosan Road Krungthep Bridge Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Krung Thon Bridge (Sang Hi Bridge) Makkhawan Rangsan Bridge Memorial Bridge (Phut Bridge) MRT Odeon Circle Patpong Rama VIII Bridge Ram Buttri Road Ratchadamnoen Avenue Royal Plaza Utthayan Road (Axis Road) Areas and neighbourhoods Ban Khrua Ban Lao Bang Lamphu Yaowarat (Chinatown) Dusit Hua Takhe Kudi Chin Nana (Little Arabia) Phahurat (Little India) Pratunam Rattanakosin Island (Old Town Zone) Royal City Avenue (RCA) Sam Phraeng Silom Soi Cowboy Talat Noi Tha Chang Tha Phra Chan (Amulet Market) Tha Tien Thonburi Thong Lo Wang Burapha Parks and gardens Benchasiri Park Benjakitti Park Chak Phupha Su Maha Nathee Park Chatuchak Park Chulalongkorn University Centenary Park Lumphini Park Nagaraphirom Park Princess Mother Memorial Park Queen Sirikit Park Rommaninat Park Sanam Luang Santichaiprakarn Park Suan Luang Rama IX Suan Luang Rama VIII Wachirabenchathat Park World Siam Stadium Sport venues Indoor Stadium Huamark Lumpinee Boxing Stadium National Stadium Rajadamnern Stadium Rajamangala Stadium Bangkok Arena Monuments and memorials Democracy Monument Equestrian statue of King Chulalongkorn Giant Swing Pig Memorial and Pi Kun Bridge Victory Monument Wongwian Yai Skyscrapers and architectural buildings Baiyoke Tower II Bangkok City Library Customs House Drum Tower and Clock Tower Fortifications of Bangkok General Post Office King Power MahaNakhon Ministry of Defence headquarters Other Pata Zoo Safari World Siam Park City

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Wat Benchamabophit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wat_Benchamabophit) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wat_Benchamabophit?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.