Wat Ratchanatdaram

Wat Ratchanatdaram is located across Mahachai Road from Golden Mount, Bangkok. This spectacular regal temple was constructed during the reign of King Rama III in 1846. Its grand architecture probably showcases Burmese influences.

This spectacular Loha Prasat (Metal Palace) is a unique temple with an exclusive feature of its own. It is36 meters high with 37 surrounding spires representing 37 Dharmas of Bodhipakya and boasts a royal pavilion for a guest welcome and the memorial statue of King Rama III.

Wat Ratchatchanatdaram was built by King Rama III for his niece, H.R.H.Princess Somanas Wathanavadi who afterwards became Her Majesty the Queen Somanas Wathanavadi of King Rama IV. The staircase of the temple is at the middle with large pillars to support the shell- wise winding stairs around the pillars to the lower floor and to the top floor where the mandap is placed.

This submission of winding stairs to this Prasat is a European modus operandi adopted by Thai architects.

It is said that Nang Wisakha Upasika built the first one to bestow to the Lord Buddha at Puppharama as a two-storey building with 1,000 cells. The second one is mentioned in the Mahawongse, the record of Lanka, as being built by King Dutthagamini 141 B.C. as a nine-storey building. The dissimilarity from the other Loha Prasats lies in the fact that it was not built as a residence for monks but was as a chedi.

Spaced out from the Loha Prasat there is belfry as well-as monastic quarters built of brick and mortar in the style of King Rama III's period. They are well designed with a path in the center of the compound which runs from the corner of the belfry to the bridge. This bridge joins this temple to Wat Thepthidaram.

Important building in the temple is the Ordination Hall. Parallel to the canal, this structure built in the style of King Rama III's period. There are square pillars all around it. The gable is festooned with stucco. The major Buddha image inside is cast of copper, mined at Chanteuk in Nakhon Ratchasima region. It was positioned there in A.D. 1864 by the order of King Rama III. King Rama IV gave the name "Phra Setthamuni" to the image.