Bangkok temple tour by NINE

Wat Rakang Kositaram

Wat Rakhang Kositaram Woramahawiharn (the official name) is a second class royal temple that dates back to Ayuttaya period, when it was formerly known as Wat Bang Wa Yai.  It is situated on the west side of the Chao Praya river.  During the Thon Buri period, King Taksin the Great commissioned the temple to be reconstructed and upgraded as a royal temple, with the construction of a palace in the area also.  The temple then became the residence of the Supreme Patriarch.

Later in the reign of King Rama I, the temple was renovated by the order of the King, a huge bell was discovered and moved to Wat Phra Kaew (The Emerald Buddha Temple), five smaller bells were installed in the temple as replacement.  Hence the name was changed to Wat Rakang or “The Temple of Bells” because of this discovery, as Rakang in Thai means the bell.

Culturally, ringing bells are a sign of widespread fame and a good reputation.  The faithful Buddhist offer prayers at Wat Rakang to always ensure a good name and public credibility. There is a belief that worshiping at Wat Rakhang will result in the worshipers becoming popular and have an ever-growing reputation just like the far-reaching sound of ringing bells.  The true concept behind this is that one should concentrate on learning and practicing in order to earn fame and to achieve sustainable success.  Unlike the sound of ringing bells that will gradually die away, the knowledge and the virtue will prevail.

Wat Rakang was also a residence of Somdet Pra Puttachan (Toh Prommarangsi) who was the Supreme Patriarch in the reign of King Rama IV.  He was very highly respected and had a comprehensive knowledge of Pali and Buddhist teachings as can be seen in his composition of the Pra Kata Chinnabanchorn (Jinapanjara) liturgy widely chanted among Thai Buddhists.

Attractions

As renovated during the reign of King Rama I, this ancient temple with its brilliant architecture and calming yet artistic interior represents a traditional Thai style temple.

The Tripitaka Tower or the Holy Scripture Hall that houses the sacred Tripitaka scriptures (the Buddhist scriptures of Buddha’s teaching) is a lavishly decorated building that was once used as a residence and an ordination hall of King Rama I while he was holding his official post in the Thon Buri period.  The external walls of the building are painted red.  Inside the walls are mural paintings created by the most skillful artist in the reign of King Rama I, Arjarn Nark, depicting the daily life of people in the period.  The carved door panels of the building are beautifully decorated with gilded black lacquer.  The “wiharn” or the main hall also houses the presiding Buddha image referred to by King Rama V as “Pra Pratan Yim Rub Fa” (the meaning in Thai is “Smile at the Sky” Buddha image).If one comes at the right time when there are not too many people, the place can be quiet and not too crowded, this can be an enjoyable visit.

How to get there : Wat Rakang is located on Arun Arnarin Road, Bangkok Noi District.  Take bus no. 19 or 57.  It is also easy to reach by boat to the Rot Fai Pier, Wung Lung Pier or hop off at the Ta Chang Pier, then take a ferry across the river to the Wat Rakang Pier.