Wat Bowonniwet - Royal Temple with Rare Double Buddha

Wat Pavaranivesh Vihara Ratchawarawihan วัดบวรนิเวศวิหารราชวรวิหาร Wat Bowon Niwet Wihan Ratchaworawihan, is a major Buddhist temple (wat) in Bangkok. It is the final resting place of two former kings of Chakri Dynasty; King Vajiravudh (Rama VI) and King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX). The temple was established in 1824 by Mahasakti Pol Sep, viceroy during the reign of King Rama III 1824–51.

Wat Bowonniwet, or Wat Bowon for short is a first class Royal temple in Bangkok’s Phra Nakhon district.

The temple, which is also known as Wat Bovornives was built during the reign of King Nangklao (Rama III) in the first half of the 19th century, when it was called Wat Mai. Originally there were two temples separated by a canal, the Wat Rangsi Sutthawat and the Wat Mai. In 1923 the two temples were merged into the Wat Bowonniwet.

The temple’s most noticeable structure, the 50 meter high golden chedi is the most important structure of the temple, since it enshrines sacred relics.

The chedi sits on an elevated base with a lower and upper terrace. The lower terrace contains depictions of celestial beings from Hindu mythology. At each of the corners of the terrace is a small prang (Khmer style tower) enshrining an image of the Buddha in the Abhaya (dispelling fear) mudra.

The hollow chedi is closed to the public, except on Wat Khao Phansa day, usually in July. Inside are five small golden chedis that contain sacred relics. The central one is set on a stone base. On its four sides are carvings of four of the most important events in the life of the Buddha, namely birth, enlightenment, first sermon at the deer park in Sarnath and passing into Nirvana.

The ubosot enshrines two large golden Buddha images.

Seated on a pedestal is the Wat Bowonniwet’s principal Buddha image, the Phra Phuttha Chinasi. The Sukhothai style image in the “Calling the Earth to Witness” posture was moulded in 1357.

Originally enshrined in the Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat temple in Phitsanulok, the image was moved to the Wat Bowonniwet in the early 19th century. The image is flanked by two standing images in adoration.

Seated in front of the Phra Phuttha Chinasi are three small images of former abbots of the temple. Behind it is another, larger Buddha image named Luang Phor To.

The temple is easy to get to and free to enter. Some of the buildings are closed to the public but there is still plenty to see and do. It is well worth a visit by anyone that wants to enjoy some of Thai culture.

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