# Wat Ratchapradit > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Wat_Ratchapradit > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Wat_Ratchapradit.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wat_Ratchapradit > Source revision: 1342062360 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) Buddhist temple in Bangkok, Thailand Wat Ratchapradit The Vihāra of Wat Ratchapradit Religion Affiliation Theravada Buddhism Sect Dhammayuttika Nikaya Location Country Phra Nakhon District, Bangkok, Thailand Location within Bangkok Coordinates 13°44′58.441217″N 100°29′43.87822″E / 13.74956700472°N 100.4955217278°E / 13.74956700472; 100.4955217278 Architecture Founder King Mongkut (Rama IV) Completed 1864; 162 years ago (1864) Website Wat **Wat Ratchapradit Sathit Mahasimaram Ratcha Wora Maha Viharn** ([Thai](/source/Thai_language): วัดราชประดิษฐสถิตมหาสีมารามราชวรวิหาร) is a [Buddhist](/source/Buddhism) [temple](/source/Buddhist_temple) in the [Phra Nakhon District](/source/Phra_Nakhon_District) of [Bangkok](/source/Bangkok). Wat Ratchaparadit was designated a first-class royal monastery in 1915, making it one of the most significant temples in [Thailand](/source/Thailand).[1] The temple is located on [Rachini Road](/source/Rachini_Road), south of [Saranrom Palace](/source/Saranrom_Palace), next to the Privy Council chambers and near the [Grand Palace](/source/Grand_Palace), its main entrance is on Saranrom Road. Wat Ratchabopit is located diagonally across the Khlong Khu Mueang Derm (also Khlong Lot) on [Rattanakosin Island](/source/Rattanakosin_Island). ## History The land on which the temple now stands was formerly designated by King [Nangklao](/source/Rama_III) (Rama III) as a [coffee](/source/Coffea) plantation. However, after his death, his successor King [Mongkut](/source/Mongkut) (Rama IV) decided to build a temple on the land instead.[2] According to King Mongkut the three principal temples in the old capital city of [Ayutthaya](/source/Phra_Nakhon_Si_Ayutthaya_(city)) were; [Wat Mahathat](/source/Wat_Mahathat_(Ayutthaya)), [Wat Ratchaburana](/source/Wat_Ratchaburana%2C_Ayutthaya) and Wat Rachapradit. Ever since the [establishment of Bangkok](/source/History_of_Bangkok) as the [capital city](/source/Capital_city) in 1782, only two temples with those names were built; [Wat Mahathat](/source/Wat_Mahathat_Yuwaratrangsarit) and [Wat Ratchaburana](/source/Wat_Ratchaburana%2C_Bangkok). The king was determined therefore to build a temple with the name Wat Rachapradit for the people of Bangkok.[2] The king encountered a problem when he found the land too soft, being next to a canal. To solve this problem the king decide to host a public performance of [Thai traditional dance](/source/Dance_in_Thailand) on the site. The cost of admission being an empty garlic jar per audience. These garlic jars were then collected and used by the king's workmen as the foundation of the main [ordination hall](/source/Ordination_hall) of the temple.[2] Construction began in 1864 and was completed seven months later. The temple's full name as given by the king was *Wat Ratchapradit Sathit Mahasimaram*. As the temple's first [abbot](/source/Abbot_(Buddhism)), the king appointed [Sa Pussadeva](/source/Ariyavangsagatayana_(Sa_Pussadeva)), a monk from [Wat Bowonniwet Vihara](/source/Wat_Bowonniwet_Vihara). A member of the [Dhammayuttika](/source/Dhammayuttika_Nikaya) sect, the abbot made Wat Rachapradit the sect's first temple. In 1893 King [Chulalongkorn](/source/Chulalongkorn) (Rama V) would make the abbot [Supreme Patriarch](/source/Supreme_Patriarch_of_Thailand).[2] ## Structures The main structure is the *Phra Viharn Luang* ([Thai](/source/Thai_language): พระวิหารหลวง), it is both a [Vihāra](/source/Vih%C4%81ra) and an [ordination hall](/source/Ordination_hall). Situated on a raised platform the Phra Viharn Luang is covered on the outside with grey marble tiles. The pediment depicts a golden [royal crown](/source/Great_Crown_of_Victory) on a blue glass background, the crown was the emblem of King Mongkut. The central door and two windows on either side are framed in gilded teak. Above them are [traditional crown](/source/Maku%E1%B9%ADa)-shaped pediments, an allusion to the king's emblem.[2] Inside are murals painted in the reign of King Chulalongkorn, depicting royal festivals of the twelve months. The main [Buddha image](/source/Buddharupa) is a replica of the [Phra Phuttha Sihing](/source/Phra_Phuttha_Sihing), underneath it are interred the ashes of King Mongkut. On the wall opposite the Buddha image is a mural depicting King Mongkut watching the [solar eclipse](/source/Solar_eclipse_of_August_18%2C_1868) at Wakor village, [Prachuap Khiri Khan Province](/source/Prachuap_Khiri_Khan_Province) on 18 August 1868.[2] The *Pasana Chedi* ([Thai](/source/Thai_language): ปาสาณเจดีย์) or the 'Stone Chedi' is a large Sri-Lankan style [stupa](/source/Stupa), which is situated behind the Phra Viharn Luang. The stupa is covered in grey marbles tiles and was built by King Mongkut.[2] On either side of the Phra Viharn Luang are two almost identical white shrines, with a [prang](/source/Prang_(architecture))-style spire on the top, these are termed [prasat](/source/Prasat_(Thai_architecture)) and denote specially royal or sacred buildings. The eastern shrine is the *[Ho Trai](/source/Ho_trai)* ([Thai](/source/Thai_language): หอไตร) or the library of sacred texts. The pediment features scenes of the Buddha's birth and his passing into [Parinibbana](/source/Parinirvana). To the west is the *Ho Phra Chom* ([Thai](/source/Thai_language): หอพระจอม), decorated with the faces of [Brahma](/source/Brahma) on four sides. Inside the shrine is a life-sized statue of King Mongkut in gilded bronze. around these main buildings are smaller stupas containing relics of various monks including the temple's first abbot. Like the two shrines, these smaller stupas were built during the reign of King [Vajiravudh](/source/Vajiravudh) (Rama VI), in the early 20th century.[2] ## Gallery - Through the gate of the temple and the front of the Phra Viharn Luang - The pediment depicting a royal crown, the symbol of King Mongkut - Principal Buddha image inside the Phra Viharn Luang, a replica of the sacred [Phra Phuttha Sihing](/source/Phra_Phuttha_Sihing) - A mural depicting King Mongkut looking through a telescope - The Pasana Chedi covered in grey marble tiles - Ho Trai pediment depicting the birth of the Buddha - Ho Phra Chom with the faces of Brahma - The life-sized statue of King Mongkut - A statue of [Ariyavangsagatayana (Sa Pussadeva)](/source/Ariyavangsagatayana_(Sa_Pussadeva)), the first abbot of this temple ## See also Wikimedia Commons has media related to [Wat Ratchapradit](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Wat_Ratchapradit). - [List of Buddhist temples in Thailand](/source/List_of_Buddhist_temples_in_Thailand) - [Mongkut](/source/Mongkut) - [Ariyavangsagatayana (Sa Pussadeva)](/source/Ariyavangsagatayana_(Sa_Pussadeva)) - [Dhammayuttika Nikaya](/source/Dhammayuttika_Nikaya) ## References 1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** ["Announcement of the Ministry of Public Instruction, Department of Buddhism Affairs on the Classification of Royal Monasteries (ประกาศกระทรวงธรรมการ แผนกกรมสังฆการี เรื่อง จัดระเบียบพระอารามหลวง)"](https://web.archive.org/web/20111109221110/http://www.ratchakitcha.soc.go.th/DATA/PDF/2458/A/284.PDF) (PDF). *[Royal Thai Government Gazette](/source/Royal_Thai_Government_Gazette)*. เล่ม 32, ตอน 0 ก: 284. 1915-10-03. Archived from [the original](http://www.ratchakitcha.soc.go.th/DATA/PDF/2458/A/284.PDF) (PDF) on November 9, 2011. 1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Suksri_2-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Suksri_2-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Suksri_2-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-Suksri_2-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-Suksri_2-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-Suksri_2-5) [***g***](#cite_ref-Suksri_2-6) [***h***](#cite_ref-Suksri_2-7) Suksri, Naengnoi; Chakrabongse, Narisa; Limpabandhu, Thanit (2013-09-25). [*The Grand Palace and Old Bangkok*](https://books.google.com/books?id=PbSYPAAACAAJ). River Books. pp. 275–277. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-974-9863-41-1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-974-9863-41-1). ## External links - [Dhammathai: Wat Ratchapradit Sathitmahasimaram Rajawarawiharn](https://www.dhammathai.org/wateng/dbview.php?No=4) - [The Cloud: วัดราชประดิษฐสถิตมหาสีมาราม](https://readthecloud.co/wat-ratchapradit/) (Thai) 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 --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Wat Ratchapradit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wat_Ratchapradit) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wat_Ratchapradit?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.