Bangkok temple tour
Wat Ratchanadda
When the temple was built ?
The official name for this Bangkok temple is Wat Ratchanaddaram Worawiharn, built in 1846 by the order of King Rama III. Wat Ratchanadda is a Royal temple best known for the “Loha Prasart” or Metal Castle, one of the most unique temple structures in Bangkok. It is the one of the third metal castles in the world ever existence.
Pagodas Metal Castle Rajanaddaram Temple is the traditional name of India. Called since the time of Buddha, it means a mansion with a metal top. Create a square shape It has many layers and is utilized as a diocesan part. It emerged in only 3 worlds.
Talking about original temple
The first It was built in India at Bupparam Temple. The city of Savatthi, which has been completely lost over time.
The 2nd was built in Sree Lanka. At present, the ruins are left only the remains of a pile of bricks, around B.E. 387.
What happened when the king decide to renovate the temple?
The 3rd was built in Thailand at Wat Rajanaddaram Worawihan Temple. B.E. 2389 (1846 AD), built during the reign His Majesty the King. The designer constructed the metal castle instead of building the pagoda by building it according to the metal characteristics of the second castle in Sri Lanka.
By taking the original as a design and then adapting it to architecture according to Thai art, which reflects His Majesty’s strong faith in Buddhism.The Loha Prasart at Wat Ratchanatda appears almost Burmese in design although was modelled after the one in Sri Lanka.
Landmark of the temple
The Loha Prasart, which means iron castle or iron monastery, has 37 black metal spires symbolizing the 37 virtues that are required to reach enlightenment. This building has excellent architecture, what makes it unique are the spires that are used in the design of the three-tiered complex; the bottom one has 24 spires, the middle one 12 and the top level has 1 spire, totaling 37 spires. The many columns in the structure that support the towers create a labyrinth or maze-like corridors interior.
Special material of the temple
As for the castle metal that we see as a golden mandap, this is not the original color of the castle metal, it was reconstructed by the Fine Arts Department and Wat Rajanaddaram Worawihan in 2012-2017. The metal castle has undergone several renovations and major renovations until it was completed during the reign of King Panyasophon (Suk Punyarasi).
In 1963, with Marshal Sarit Thanarat as Prime Minister at that time, the metal castle was a red plaster waving structure. The mandapa was painted white, and attempts have been made to preserve as much as possible the traditional pattern of the castle metal during the reign of King Rama III.
When the government celebrated the 50th anniversary of His Majesty the King’s throne during the year 1995-1996, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) graciously scheduled the ceremony of packing the relics enshrined at the Prasat Metal Busabok Pagoda as the first ceremony of His Majesty the King’s charity and proceeded to enshrine the relics. On Monday, February 27, the last metal restoration project took place in 1995.
That year, there was a Major General of Weapons, Silver Scent. The National Artist of Architecture, participating in the castle metal restoration project, designed the thatch material and roof ornaments in black metal and copper. It turns black, just like some people saw in childhood The metal castle was restored in 2012-2017. This makes it have a beautiful golden mansard as you can see at the temple nowadays.
What to see inside the temple?
Visitors can climb the spiral stairs, that provides only one way up and down, to the top of the structure. Just below the shrine on top of the Loha Prasart is an open-air walkway from where one can have a good view of the temple area, as well as the well-known Wat Saket temple and the Golden Mount.
The shrine on top of the Loha Prasart contains relics of the Buddha for Buddhism to worship.
Besides the Metal Castle, Wat Ratchanadda contains a “wiharn” or main hall, an “ubosot” or chapel and a meeting hall. The temple is set in a large well maintained garden setting with Fort Mahakarn and Wat Saket, the temple of the Golden Mount which is not far from wat ratchanatda.
Go inside the temple at the Buddhist temple, which is an early Rattanakosin art . The Thai-style brick and mortar building was built during the reign of King Rama III Yom Naga) is the designer of the temple building plan.
Inside is enshrined the Buddha statue of President Pang Mara Vijaya. His name is Buddhasettamunin. It means that the Supreme Buddha is superior to any Muni in the world. It has a lap width of 7 cubits, cast with copper mined from Chanthuek Subdistrict, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, so His Majesty the King graciously cast the Buddha statue and enshrined it at Wat Rajanaddaram Worawihan and in the reign of King Rama 5 made love to gild and invited Sawetachat 5 floors.
The chapel of the temple is surrounded by 8 colored arches, the front is decorated with dark blue glass, with a bouquet of sky, Lam yong, Naga startle, rooster leaf and swan tail according to Thai architectural style. The depths of the panes depict the Ramayana and the former incarnation of the Buddha. The inner panes are in the shape of various deities.
The mural in the temple behind the chairman depicts the Buddha descending from Daowadung to deliver sermons to his mother, unlike other temples that often depict Buddhist history when defeating the devil. The side wall of the temple depicts heaven with elements of the sky (constellations), the sun and moon, and angels flying in groups.
On the first floor of the temple, there is a wall mural. Front and back are Buddhist stories about the time of His Majesty the Buddhist Mother and His Majesty the Daowa Deung. On the side are depicted 27 groups of stars and planets, surrounded by angels and goddesses. A pane depicting a beautiful angel.
Pride of the architecture inside the temple
Since the Loha Prasart of Wat Ratchanadda is the only one of its kind in existence today, in 2005 the temple was submitted to UNESCO for consideration as a future World Heritage Site.
The Loha Prasat is a functioning Buddhist temple and a significant place of worship for the local community. Inside the temple, there are statues of Buddha and important religious relics. Those want to worship the Buddha can buy flowers, incense, candles.
Aside from the Loha Prasart, the other main attraction to Wat Ratchanadda is the amulet market which extends behind the temple. The market is very popular but is not the cheapest place to buy an amulet and Buddhists monk religious utensil.
Community Flea Market behind Wat Ratchanadda
“Community Flea Market behind Wat Ratchanadda” is an old market, probably as long as the community behind Wat Ratchanadda. The flea market is not very big, there are enough items to sell such as clothes, shoes, fresh vegetables, fruits, bread, and the best seller in the morning is a side dish with curry bags. It is a good idea for visitors to get some cold drinks and try some snacks at the market.
There is a small community of people who have lived for a very long time, behind Wat Ratchanadda, probably since the Rattanakosin period. If you have time, you can come and see because inside there are old style houses and old community ways.
Open Time
Visitors to the Loha Prasat are requested to make a Baht 50, in box just inside the entrance gate at the base of the structure.
Wat Ratchanadda is open during 8.30 am to 5 pm.
Temple Location
The location of Wat Ratchanadda is very attractive; it is close to the river and is within walking distance of Khao San Road, the famous backpacker district of Bangkok. Alternatively, take the Express Boat to the Memorial Bridge pier and take a tuk-tuk or taxi from there.
This temple is located near the popular tourist attraction of Loha Prasat. Therefore, there might have been some confusion between the names of these two places. Both Loha Prasat and Wat Ratchanatdaram refer to the same temple in Bangkok.
This temple is not yet very well known, so one can avoid the crowds of tourists at this temple. It is recommended to take it for at least three hours. Visit the temple to get acquainted with all the amazing corners of King Rama III’s commitment to Thailand.
Nearby Attractions
Wat Ratchanatdaram is conveniently located near several other significant landmarks in Bangkok’s old city area. You can combine your visit to the temple with nearby attractions namely ;
The Grand Palace
The Grand Palace or the temple of the Emerald Buddha is the most iconic and revered landmarks in Bangkok, Thailand. It is a stunning example of traditional Thai architecture, featuring intricate details, gilded decorations, and a harmonious blend of Thai, Chinese, and European influences.
Wat Pho
Wat Pho or the Temple of the Reclining Buddha , known as Phra Phuttha Saiyat, measuring approximately 46 meters (151 feet) in length and 15 meters (49 feet) in height. The statue is covered in gold leaf and depicts the Buddha entering Nirvana.
Wat Saket( Golden Mount)
Wat Saket( Golden Mount) The iconic Golden Mount is the central feature of Wat Saket. The chedi stands at around 80 meters (262 feet) tall and is covered in gold-colored tiles, giving it a shimmering appearance. To reach the top of the Golden Mount, visitors can climb a spiraling walkway, which offers stunning views of Bangkok’s skyline.
Wat Suthat
Wat Suthat The main hall of the temple, the Ubosot, is an impressive structure adorned with intricate murals and wood carvings.At the entrance of the temple, you will find two impressive giant guardian statues, known as Yak Wat Suthat.
The Giant Swing
The Giant Swing is just outside Wat Suthat, you will find the famous Giant Swing (Sao Ching Cha), a towering red structure that was historically used in Brahmin ceremonies.
Khao San Road
Khao San Road is famous for its lively and energetic atmosphere, it may not be the ideal destination for travelers seeking a quieter and more tranquil experience. It offers a variety of street food stalls and inexpensive restaurants, serving both Thai and international cuisine. It’s a great place to try local delicacies, such as Pad Thai, mango sticky rice, and various Thai street snacks.
You can plan what to do around that area, make the most of your time to look around. After visiting these landmarks, take some time to wander around the charming streets of the old city area. You’ll find traditional shophouses, quaint cafes, and street food vendors, providing a glimpse of local life and the city’s historical charm.
If you’re interested in the Bangkok temple, you can visit old Bangkok city and this temple can be added into your Bangkok sightseeing tour. When visiting any temple in Thailand, it’s helpful to have a local guide or do some research beforehand to understand the cultural significance and history associated with the site.
