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Ho Phra Monthian Tham (the Supplementary Library)
The library of Canonical Texts is unique in that it was built by artisans of the Prince of the Front Palace during the First Reign.
When a fire destroyed the original library, the Prince had his artisans built the present library for the King.
The finished work, especially the west facade is an example of the early Bangkok architectural style at its finest. The figures on
the pediment are those of the Hindu god Indra on his elephant, Erawan, below and Brama riding the mythical swan, Hamsa, above.
The middle of the three doors in this facade is particularly interesting as it was made in the early- 18th century during the reign of King
Borommakot of Ayutthaya. It was salvaged from the assembly hall of a temple in the former capital and kept in the National Museum before
being put to use here in the course of extensive restorations in preparation for the 150th Anniversary of the Foundation of Rattanakosin in 1932.
The interior of the building is enlivened with the murals of the "Assembly of Divinities".
In the early days after its completion, the building was used by monks and novices for religious studies. At present it is the repository
for the Royal Golden Edition of the Canonical Text, which has been moved from the Phra Mondop, and other manuscripts. These texts are kept
in numerous mother-of-pearl inlayed cabinets and cabinets with intricate gold designs on black lacquer. Most of these were made and donated
by members of the royal family and nobility.
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