Description: Wat Benchamabophit is a temple compound of unusual beauty and religious importance. It is quite different from the other temples described in this journal. Better known to foreigners as 'the Marble Temple', it is located close to Dusit Palace where the Thai King lives. Wat Benchamabophit is not heavily promoted as a tourist destination, and therefore the number of foreign visitors you will encounter is often relatively small. The Ubosoth (Main building) was constructed with Carrara marble from Italy, therefore the name.
I’m told by Thai experts that Wat Benchamabophit is a royal monastery belonging to the first class ranking of Rajavaravihara. Aparently few wats belong to this class. The wat was founded during the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) in 1900 so is relatively new when compared with many central Bangkok temples. That possibly is one of the reasons why the compound as a whole looks amazingly well maintained, with even the monks living quarters in bright, unexpected colors. The name 'Wat Bechamabophit' simply means “the temple of the Fifth King”.
The main structure at Wat Benchamabophit is one of the finest works of architectural art of the Bangkok period. It is quite unlike most other Bangkok temples. The Ubosoth has four gables, with the east gable being the main entrance. This is considered by Thai Buddhist temple historians as the Bangkok temple that initiated modern Thai temple architecture.
The cloister or gallery is at the rear of the Ubosoth and here 52 Buddha images are enshrined. Some are original and have been brought here from all corners of the Kingdom and from abroad. Others are copies from important Buddha images elsewhere. Some, such as the almost skeleton figure from Pakistan, are particularly interesting. You will see the Buddha in many different postures and with different hand gestures. All important Buddha image styles from Thailand (Dvaravati, Lopburi, Sukhothai, Ayutthaya) are represented.
Inside the Ubosoth, Phra Buddha Chinnarat is the main Buddha image. It is a replica of the image at Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat in Phitsanulok province. The image is in bronze (with unusual blue lighting around it) and with the gesture of the Buddha subduing Mara. Beneath the Buddha's throne, the ashes of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) are interred. There are also a few pictures of King Chulalongkorn on display including one of him as a monk. You can also see a picture of the present King (Rama 9) when he was a monk.
There are many other structures connected through pleasant walkways in the compound. They include Song Phanuat Hall (residence of the abbot), Song Dharm Hall (used for the lying in state of members of the Royal family), the residence of Rama 5 when he was a monk, and the Bovornvong Bell Tower. There is a canal crossed by three red-colored bridges, with waterside pavilions.
Wat Bechamabophit is an active temple. Opening hours officially are between 8am and 5.30pm. There is an entrance fee of 20 Baht. Modest attire is essential.
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