Wat Arun

Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan also known as Wat Chaeng, is a Buddhist temple located in Bangkok, Thailand. It is on Thonburi's west bank of the Chao Phraya River. The temple is known for its stunning architecture and exquisite design. The work on the pagoda started during the reign of Rama III (1824–51). The main prang was completed in 1851, after nine years of continued construction.

Wat Arun Ratchawararam
Temple of Dawn
The temple, seen from across the river in 2021
Religion
Affiliation	Theravada Buddhism
Location
Country	Thailand
Architecture
Completed	before 1656 (founded) 1851 (main prang constructed) 2017 (latest major restoration)
Website
www.watarun1.com

History

Wat Arun's story started a long time ago, during the Ayutthaya period. It was previously known as Wat Makok or the Olive Monastery. Later, when King Taksin ruled in the late 1700s, the temple was renovated and given a new name: Wat Chaeng, also known as the Temple of Dawn. The word "Wat Arun" also means "Temple of Dawn." People believe it derives from the Hindu god Aruna, who depicts the sun as it begins to rise.

Cultural Significance

Wat Arun has great cultural and religious importance for Thai people. It is a Buddhist worship and meditation facility that attracts both believers and visitors. The temple is also a well-known emblem of Bangkok, appearing regularly on postcards, paintings, and other works of art.

Architecture

The most notable feature is the tall center prang (a Khmer-style tower), which is encircled by four smaller satellite prangs. These towers symbolize Mount Meru, the revered cosmological center of Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain faiths. The prangs are beautifully embellished with bright porcelain and seashells that were previously used as ballast on ships arriving from China. Visitors can climb steep stairways to the upper platforms of the prangs, which provide panoramic views of the Chao Phraya River and Bangkok. The temple complex also includes the Ordination Hall (Ubosot), which features stunning frescoes, and the Niramitr Buddha image, a golden Buddha figure.

Gallery

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  The prang, seen from within the temple grounds (2020)
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  Main prang, Indra seated atop Airavata (2001)
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  View of the river from the main prang (2013)
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  The vihara, seen from the main prang (2014)
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  Buddha statues in the cloister (2017)
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  The ordination hall (2018)
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  The principal Buddha image, in the ordination hall (2018)
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  The temple lit up at night (2017)
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  Frontal view of the prang at night (2017)