Wat Thong Nopphakhun

Wat Thong Nopphakhun (, also known as Wat Thong Lang วัดทองล่าง) is a third-class royal temple of the ordinary class (พระอารามหลวงชั้นตรี ชนิดสามัญ) in the Mahānikāya fraternity, located in Khlong San District, Bangkok. The entire compound is registered as an ancient monument by the Fine Arts Department of Thailand.

History

The original founder and exact construction date are unknown, but the temple is believed to date from the late Ayutthaya period. It was originally called Wat Thong Lang (“Lower Gold Temple”). In the reign of King Rama III, the wealthy Chinese-Thai noble Phraya Choduek Ratchasetthi (Thongchin) carried out major restoration work and donated the temple to the crown, whereupon it received royal monastery status. A second large-scale renovation took place under King Rama IV.

Architecture and art

The buildings are fine examples of early Rattanakosin architecture:

• The ubosot has a two-tiered roof with carved wooden pediments (front: devas holding monks’ robes; rear: alms-bowl stands). Windows are circular with gilded stucco and coloured-glass inlay.
• The wihan also has a two-tiered roof without chofa or bai raka finials; its gable is decorated with coloured ceramic bowls and plates.
• A mondop houses a replica of the Buddha’s footprint built during the reign of Rama IV.
• The main chedi is a twelve-angled bell-shaped stupa.

Inside the ubosot:

• The principal image is a stucco Buddha in Māravijaya posture.
• Murals depict the Vessantara Jataka and were painted by Phra Kru Ksin Sangwon.
• Behind the principal image is a large painted curtain (phra wisut) motif flanked by devas.

List of abbots (since receiving royal status)

(Source: Phra Thamma Chedi (Ki Marachino), Marachino Niphon, 2008)

References