Siam Society is holding a study trip to visit six renowned Buddhist temples in Bangkok that were built or restored during the reign of King Rama III on April 23.
The third monarch in the Chakri dynasty, Rama III was known to be deeply religious. He constructed, expanded or repaired many temples during his 27 years on the throne. Altogether 19 new temples were built and over 60 were repaired or added to. This earned him the name "Temple Builder King".
Among the important temples constructed during his reign were Wat Thepthida, Wat Ratchanadda, Wat Chaloemphrakiat, Wat Prayurawong and Wat Kanlayanamit. Important additions were made to Wat Phra Chetuphon, Wat Khrue Wan Woravihan, Wat Suthat, Wat Ratchaburana, Wat Saket, Wat Arun and Wat Yannawa.
Led by Euayporn Kerdchouay, senior consultant of the Siam Society, the one-day trip is a good chance to see at least six of the temples.
They include Wat Ratchanadda, a royal temple best known for the Loha Prasat or Metal Castle; Wat Mahanparam, where the country's first state school was established; Wat Kanlayanamit, which is famous for its huge Buddha image called Phra Buddha Trai Rattananayok or Luang Pho To; and Wat Prayurawong, reputed for its white Phra Borommathat Chedi.
Wat Khrue Wan Woravihan, meanwhile, is believed to be constructed during the Ayutthaya era but went through a major restoration during the reign of King Rama III.
Housing a 46m-long reclining Buddha, Wat Phra Chetuphon aka Wat Pho, was King Rama I's main temple, which was extensively renovated by Rama III.
The trip is open to fully vaccinated participants. The fee is 3,000 baht (2,500 baht for members).
Email supanut@thesiamsociety.org or call 02-661-6470--3 ext 504 or 506.
