Description of the attraction
Founded in 1826, Wat Bovonniwet has the full name of Wat Bovonniwet Vihara Rajavaravihara. It is the central temple of the Nakhon district in Bangkok and the main temple patronizing the ruling Chakri dynasty. The Bovonniwet Temple houses the national headquarters of the Thammayut sect, founded by King Mongkut, the fourth king of the Chakri dynasty.
Many future rulers, young princes from the Chakri dynasty received their Buddhist education here. The current King of Thailand, Rama IX, and his son, Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, were also trained at Wat Bovonniwet.
Prince Bhikku Mongkut arrived at the temple in 1836 and became its first abbot; he later ascended the throne of the Kingdom of Siam as King Rama IV. He spent many years of his life studying Buddhist teachings. As a result of the knowledge gained and his own reformatory ideas, he created the Thammayut monastic sect. As a sign of his great services, a statue of King Rama IV is located in the Bovonnivet Temple.
Later, the mentor of King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) Somdet Phra Yanasangvorn became the chief abbot of the Bovonniwet temple, and then the entire Buddhist community in Thailand.
The golden chedi (stupa) on the territory of the temple keeps the ashes and relics of the royal family. The two viharnas (main buildings) are closed for public use.
In the ubosot (a small building for Buddhist ceremonies), beautiful hand-painted paintings can be seen. However, access here is open exclusively to men and only on special holidays.
