Wat Pathum Wanaram, Bangkok

Wat Pathum Wanaram, or by its full name Wat Pathumwanaram Ratchaworawiharn, is a Buddhist temple in the busy shopping district of Pathum Wan in downtown Bangkok. It is hemmed in on either side by the colossal shopping malls of Central World Plaza and Siam Paragon, while the Bangkok Skytrain line runs in front of it.

Wat Pathum Wanaram was built in 1857 by King Mongkut (Rama IV) as a place of worship in close proximity to his home, the Sa Pathum Palace. At that time, that area of Bangkok was all rice paddies, with Klong Saen Saeb being the only access.

Within the grounds of Wat Pathum Wanaram is the Phra Meru Mas, the reconstructed crematorium of the late Princess Mother of Thailand. She was cremated at Sanam Luang in March 1996. Following the cremation, her remains were transferred to Wat Pathum Wanaram on an elaborate procession.

Within the ubosot of the temple is the principal Buddha image, Phra Sai (also written Phra Saay). In the wiharn is another Buddha image in the posture of subduing mara (demon). Both Buddha images were brought here from Vientiane during the reign of King Rama III.

Chedi at Wat Pathum Wanaram

The grounds of Wat Pathum Wanaram has clear views of the shopping malls next door

The chedi of Wat Pathum Wanaram against the Central World Tower blocks

A shrine in front of the chedi

One of the Buddha images at Wat Pathum Wanaram

Ubosot of Wat Pathum Wanaram

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