WAT ARUNRATCHAWARARAM

The prang of Wat Arun on the bank of Ch Phraya River is one of Bangkok 's world-famous landmarks. From a French map of Thonburi made in the reign of King Narai it can be seen that the temple existed when Ayutthaya was Siam 's capital. The temple was formerly known as Wat Makok, and when King Taksin built his palace, he ordered the temple to be annexed to it. The king restored it and renamed it "Wat Jaeng". It was restored again by King Rama II, and renamed "Wat Arunratchatharam". King Rama IV later changed the name to "Wat Arunratchawararam"


Ubosot: This is an outstanding example of Rama II period architecture in late Ayutthaya style. It has a two-tiered roof with glazed ceramics, and pediments decorated with wooden carvings depicting Warunthep. The interior murals were painted during the Third and Fifth Reigns. Phra Phutthathammitsararatchalokthatdilok,the principal Buddha image in the Subduing Mara posture, was cast in the reign of King Rama II and contains relics of King Rama II.

Prang: This brick stupa is decorated with glazed pottery fragments in flower and leaf designs and other Thai patterns. The top is gilded and adorned with the noppasul.

Pra Rabiengkote: This corridor is in placeof the kampaeng kaeo found in most other tempi It has a tiled roof with doors opening onto f directions. Inside are 120 Buddha images in Subduing Mara posture.

Mondop of the Buddha's Footprint: A chapel surmounted by a spire, this stands between the ubosot and the wihan. It was built during the Third Reign and houses a copy of the footprint of the Budd a carved in Kwantong stone and decorated with colourful porcelain.

Ogre Statues: Guarding at the gate are two ogre (yaksha). The white yaksha is Sahassadecha and i green partner Thossakun, the villain of the Ramakien, the Thai version of the Ramayana epic.

The temple has flourished throughout the Ratta akosin period. The beauty of the architecture and t e fine craftsmanship declare its status as a temp - of the first grade and one of the most outstanding temples of Thailand.