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This royal temple of third grade, King Rama III built for his niece, H.R.H.Princess Somanas
Wathanavadi who later became Her Majesty the Queen Somanas Wathanavadi of King Rama IV
who also later built Wat Sommanat Worawihan to commemorate her.
Important Buildings in the Temple
The Ordination Hall
Parallel to the canal, this edifice built in the style of King Rama III's period. There are square
pillars all around it. The gable is decorated with stucco.
The main Buddha image inside
is cast of copper, mined at Chanteuk in Nakhon Ratchasima province. It was placed there in A.D.
1864 by order of King Rama III. King Rama IV gave the name "Phra Setthamuni" to the image.
The entrance and Sara at the East
Loha Prasat at the East
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This is situated towards the west
of the Ordination Hall and was begun in the period of King Rama III, the roofing was not yet
completed. It was repaired during the reigns of King Rama V and VI. The Prasat has 37 spires
representing 37 Dharma of the Bodhipakya. The stair-case is at the centre with large pillars to
support the shell-wise winding stairs around the pillars to the lower floor and to the top floor
where the Mondop stands in the middle. This application of winding stairs to this Prasat is a
European technique adopted by Thai architects.
The significance of this Loha Prasat lies in the fact that it is the first of its kind in Thailand
and the third in the world of Buddhism. It is believed that Nang Wisakha Upasika built the first one
to dedicate to the Lord Buddha at Puppharama as a two-storey building with 1,000 cells. The
second one is mentioned in the Mahawongse, the chronicle of Lanka, as being built by King
Dutthagamini 141 B.C. as a nine-storey building. The difference from the other Loha Prasats lies
in the fact that it was not built as a residence for monks but was as a Chedi.
Apart 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 planned with a path in the middle of
the compound which runs from the corner of the belfry to the bridge. This bridge connects this
temple to Wat Thepthidaram.
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