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Wat Chumphon Nikayaram

Wat Chumphon Nikayaram

Wat Choompon Nikayaram, classified in the royal Aram of the second rank, Rachaworawihara, is located in the end of Koh Bang Pa-in, Tambon Bang Len, Amphoe Bang Pa-in, Ayuddhaya. It is adjacent to the Bang Pa-in Royal Palace and to the Chao Praya River, which makes it one of the temples possessing perfect nature and wonderful scenery.It is believed that the temple was established in the reign of Prachao Prasat Thong during Ayuddhaya Era in 1632 (the year of Monkey). The area had been used as his mother’s residence. The temple was later restored in the reign of Rama IV and Rama V of Rattanakosin Era and the buildings have still existed up to the present.What is interesting here is the magnificent monastery in which seven principal Buddha images made of sandstone mixed with stucco are installed, which makes it starkly different from what ordinary temples have. Phra Wipassisikee, Wessaphu, Kakusunta, Konakamana, Kasapa, and Kotama with other 4 disciples as well as the rarely seen sculpture of a nun wearing full dress and the Buddha images of Metteyya in full costume are installed in front of the monastery.The mural paintings depicting the life of 7 Buddhas on every side of the monastery are well kept; however, with the time passing, some part has been effaced and the portals own some paintings depicting Chinese oblations. Its portals are different from those of other temples in that their temples mostly own paintings depicting the porter.Moreover, the temple possesses a square-based stupa with 12 indented corners in which Buddha’s relics have been placed and the stupa is made in Ayuddhaya style. Many people come to pay respect to this stupa.Anyone visiting Ayuddhaya would be disappointed if they didn’t visit Wat Choompon Nikayaram since it possesses not only the marvelous architecture in Ayuddhaya style mixed with that of Rattanakosin but also offers an opportunity for the public to learn about its principles that differ from what ordinary temples have.