Wat Khemaphitaram

Wat Khemaphitaram Rajaworaviharn is located on the east of Chao Phraya river, in Tambon Suan Yai, 2 kilometers away from the south of Nonthaburi town. The front of the temple is adjoining to the river, the back is attached to Phiboonsongkram Road. It is a second-class royal monastery, in ‘rajaworaviharn’ type. Wat Khemaphitaram Rajaworaviharn was built in the early Ayutthaya period, initially called “Wat Khema”. Subsequently, in Rattanakosin period, it was categorized as one of the temples available for Royal Kathin Ceremony as listed in the record of Krom Phrarajawangbovorn (or Prince of the Rear Palace). During the reign of King Rama II, Somdej Phra Srisuriyen Dramataya, the queen had required this temple to be under her patronage. She then renovated the temple, and named it “Wat Khema” (still no any affixes). Afterwards, King Rama IV restored the whole monastery, and bestowed the additional phrases to be “Wat Khemapitaram”. Remarkably, this temple was the school of Marshal Por Pibulsongkram when he was a child. In 1982, during the 200th year of Chakri dynasty, and the Celebration of Rattanakosin city, the committee of Wat Khemaphitaram regarded that the temple had great significance to the dynasty, seeing many members of royal family had consistently patronized the monastery. They therefore built a multi-purpose pavilion called “200th year Rattanakosin City Pavilion”. Inside enshrined a 30-meter Chedi, at the rear of the Ubosot. The chedi houses Lord Buddha relics. The ancient principle Buddha image, brought from Chankasem palace, reflects the art of Ayutthaya period. Additionally, the temple has Tamnak Daeng Building, and Phra Thinang Monthian Hall as well. Wat Khemaphitaram Ratchaworaviharn is one of the respectable temples, deserved to be a source for historical study. Located on Chao Phraya Riverside, the temple also bares pleasant, and relaxing atmosphere.For transportation by bus, travellers should take Rot Song Taew (or a mini roofed bus usually seen across Thailand) route: Rewadee-Wat Paknam. For visiting by boat, you should take the Chao Phraya Express Boat, by boarding from Nonthaburi pier, then take the bus no. 203. Otherwise, you take a round-trip boat from Bang Sri Muang Pier to Nonthaburi pier, then board the bus no. 203.