Wat Borom Niwat

Wat Borommaniwat Ratchaworawihan (; RTGS: Wat Borom Niwat Ratchaworawihan; pronounced [bɔː.rom.ma.ní.wâːt]) — also known simply as Wat Borom Niwat or Wat Borom — is a second-class royal monastery (Phra Aram Luang Chan Tho) of the Thammayut Nikaya sect, located in Rong Mueang Subdistrict, Pathum Wan District, Bangkok, Thailand.

History

Wat Borommaniwat was founded by Phra Vajirananthera prior to his coronation as king, in 1834 CE (BE 2377) under the original name Wat Borommasuk (วัดบรมสุข). It was intended as an aranwasi (อรัญวาสี; “forest-dwelling”) counterpart to Wat Bowonniwet Vihara, a khamwasi (คามวาสี; “city-dwelling”) monastery in the Bang Lamphu area of Rattanakosin Island. The temple’s original structures included the ordination hall (ubosot), a pagoda (chedi), and fourteen monks’ dwellings (kuti).

Construction continued until Phra Vajirananthera left the monkhood and ascended the throne as King Mongkut. The temple was later renamed Wat Borommaniwat (“Monastery of Supreme Abode”) during the reign of Rama V. During this time, restoration was carried out under the supervision of Phra Ubali Kunupamachan (Chan Siricando), supported by Chao Chom Manda Thapthim and her royal children.

The temple’s murals were painted by Khrua In Khong, one of the leading artists of King Mongkut’s reign. His works depict Buddhist themes through Western art techniques and hidden Dharma symbolism.

Further restoration efforts continued through the reigns of subsequent monarchs and abbots. Today, the temple remains an active monastic and educational center under the Thammayut Nikaya.

Architecture and Art

The main ordination hall enshrines the principal Buddha image, Phra Thotsaphonlayan (พระทศพลญาณ; “Tenfold Power Buddha”), in the Maravijaya posture. The murals within, created by Khrua In Khong, blend Western artistic perspective with Buddhist allegory.

Location

Wat Borommaniwat is located adjacent to the Bangkok railway station (Hua Lamphong). Trains pass close to its boundary wall, near the Yotse Bridge and Bobae Market.

Lineage of Abbots

Since its establishment, Wat Borommaniwat has been administered by the following abbots:

References