Wat Rakhang Kositaram Woramahawihan
Wat Rakhang Kositaram Woramahawihan known as Temple of the Bells or Wat LuangPhorToh is located at 250, Siriratch sub-district, Bangkok Noi district in Bangkok. The temple is a royal temple of the second grade of Woramahawiharn in Thai sect of Theravada Buddhism district 1. Its original name was Wat Bangwa Yai (or Bangwa Yai) which was built in the Ayutthaya Period. During Thonburi period, King Taksin the Great had constructed the palace near Wat Bangwa Yai, he then had the temple renovated and designated the place to be a royal temple for the residence of SomdetPhraSangkharat, the first Supreme Patriarch of the Buddhist priests during Rattanakosin period. The king then graciously ordered the transfer of Phra Tripitaka (Buddhist scriptures) from Nakhon Si Thammarat province to be revised.In the reign of King Rama I, Wat Bangwa Yai was patronized by Her Royal Highness Princess Chao FaKromPhrayaThepSudawadi (Sa), the eldest sister of King Rama I and the mother of KromPhrarajawangBowornSathanPhimuk. Her residence was located next to the temple. She then supported King Rama I in renovating the temple. Later, an ancient bell was found at the temple and the King had the bell moved to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and built five new bells to donate to the temple. Thence the temple was renamed”Wat Rakhang Kositaram”There is an old Tripitaka Hall situated in the temple area. It was the original residence of King Rama I when he was in the service during Thonburi period. There is also Phra Ubosot with Three tiers roof, the symbolic Rattanakosin style, including gable apex, tooth-like ridges on the sloping edges of a gable, hanghong and delicately decorated brackets. Inside, the principal Buddha image of Wat Rakang was situated called PhraPrathanYim Rub Fa; it is a bronze Buddha statue in the attitude of meditation with approximately 4 cubits wide. In front of the Buddha image, 3 monk statues are situated.For tourists and those who interest in visiting the temple, the place is open daily from 08.00-17.00. For more information, please contact www.watrakang.com.
