{"id":713997,"date":"2024-05-27T16:55:29","date_gmt":"2024-05-27T11:25:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/traveltriangle.com\/blog\/?p=713997"},"modified":"2024-05-27T16:55:29","modified_gmt":"2024-05-27T11:25:29","slug":"wat-kalayanamitr-is-the-next-spiritual-destination-in-bangkok-that-you-cannot-miss","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/traveltriangle.com\/blog\/wat-kalayanamitr\/","title":{"rendered":"Wat Kalayanamitr Is The Next Spiritual Destination In Bangkok That You Cannot Miss"},"content":{"rendered":"

Exploring Bangkok and in search of some inner reflection? Take some time out and visit Wat Kalayanamitr.<\/strong> Also known as the “Temple of the True Friend,” this place of worship is west of River Chao Praya in the Thonburi district of Bangkok. Explore the depth of Thai culture, witness stunning architecture, and larger-than-life Buddha statues, and experience a sense of calmness amongst the chants and hymns of the monks and devotees. Serving as a vibrant hub for the Buddhist community, this temple invites you to immerse yourself in tranquillity amidst its hallowed grounds.<\/em><\/p>\n

Wat Kalayanamitr Varamahavihara: History<\/h2>\n
\"Giant<\/div>\n

Image Source:Stephanie Richard for wikimedia Commons <\/a><\/p>\n

Established in 1875, Wat Kalayanamitr Varamahavihara, usually called Wat Kalayanamitr, is a second-grade royal temple built under the reign of King Rama III. Chaophraya Nikonbodin, a wealthy Thai Chinese trader and a close friend of King Rama III has donated his house and the nearby piece of his land to the temple. Legend says that when Chao Phraya NikonBodin (Toh Kalayanamitr) was awarded the title of Phraya Ratsuphawadi, the director general of Phra Suratsawadi Klang department, he donated his house and an additional piece of land for the construction of the temple and presented it to King Rama III. The king graciously named the temple Wat Kalayanamitr.<\/p>\n

Must Read:<\/strong> Monasteries In Thailand <\/a><\/p>\n

Wat Kalayanamitr: Architecture<\/h2>\n
\"Ancient<\/div>\n

Image Credit:\u0e01\u0e2a\u0e34\u0e13\u0e18\u0e23 \u0e23\u0e32\u0e0a\u0e42\u0e2d\u0e23\u0e2a for wikimedia Commons <\/a><\/p>\n

The entrance of the main shrine or vihara is studded with beautiful glass and ceramic decorations, creating a 3D effect. From the gigantic doors of the impressively large prayer halls to the walls, columns, and ceilings \u2013 adorned with vibrant murals offering insights into the preachings of Buddha, daily life routines of people from King Rama\u2019s era, etc.- each element narrates a story showcasing Thailand\u2019s cultural and religious heritage.
\nA library hall was established under the rule of King Rama IV in 1865. Known as Hor Phratham Monthian Thaloeng Phrakiat (Buddhist Book Library), this library houses Pali Canons, the teachings of Lord Buddha and many Buddhist scriptures.<\/p>\n

Wat Kalayanamitr Varamahavihara: Subduing Mara Mudra Of Buddha<\/h2>\n
\"Subduing<\/div>\n

Image Credit: \u0e01\u0e2a\u0e34\u0e13\u0e18\u0e23 \u0e23\u0e32\u0e0a\u0e42\u0e2d\u0e23\u0e2a for wikimedia Commons <\/a><\/p>\n

Also called \u201cCalling the Earth to Witness,\u201d mudra is one of the various. The Buddha statue in the main shrine or vihara is one of Bangkok’s largest seated Buddha statues measuring 12m wide and 15m tall. Made of lime and an outer layer of gold leaf, this seated Buddha with \u2018Subduing Mara Mudra\u2019 is named as Phra Buddha Trai Ratta Nayok by King Rama IV and Thai Chinese descents call it Sam Por Kong. This mudra is depicted on Seated Buddha images or statues where the legs crossed in meditation – the right hand of Buddha over the knee pointing towards Mother Earth. This posture refers to an important event in Buddha\u2019s life history, which occurred before his enlightenment. This is the only temple in Bangkok with the principal Buddha holding the Subduing Mara Mudra posture.<\/p>\n

Suggested Read:<\/strong> Holiday Homes In Thailand <\/a><\/p>\n

Wat Kalayanamitr: Bell Tower<\/h2>\n
\"Close<\/div>\n

Image Credit: \u0e01\u0e2a\u0e34\u0e13\u0e18\u0e23 \u0e23\u0e32\u0e0a\u0e42\u0e2d\u0e23\u0e2a for wikimedia Commons <\/a><\/p>\n

Next to the main shrine or the prayer hall is the newly constructed bell tower which holds the largest bronze bell in Bangkok, weighing 13 tons. The top of the Bell Tower pagoda consists of the Standing Buddha and the Four Heavenly Kings. Devotees and visitors approach the bell tower, make a wish and ring the bell thrice for wish fulfilment and good luck.<\/p>\n

Wat Kalayanamitr: Prayers And Rituals<\/h2>\n
\"Serenity<\/div>\n

Image Credit: Anthony Hartman for wikimedia Commons <\/a><\/p>\n

Wat Kalayanamitr is an active temple with regular chants and rituals of the monks & the locals. Quarters are allotted to the resident monks at the back of the temple. The monks here are engaged in different daily chores of the temple and do not entertain visitors. Visitors are free to visit the temple, explore the place and pay respects at the main shrine without disturbing them. Flower, fruit, and incense sticks, oil lamp offerings are carried at the Viharas. A large gong is also placed in the main shrine of the temple complex. Devotees use the gong to mark the conclusion of prayers.<\/p>\n

Suggested Read:<\/strong> Ayutthaya Temples <\/a><\/p>\n

Wat Kalayanamit Entrance Fee & Timings<\/h2>\n

The temple is open everyday from 6:30 AM to 5:00 PM, providing ample opportunity for visitors to explore its serene grounds. The absence of an entrance fee makes it accessible for all including foreign visitors.<\/p>\n

Nearby Attractions<\/h2>\n

There are many places around to delve deeper into the city’s cultural wealth and discover the hidden gems of the city. A few are listed below:<\/p>\n

1. Wat Prayun<\/h3>\n
\"A<\/div>\n

Image Source: Pexels<\/a><\/p>\n

Graded as a second-class royal temple, Wat Prayurawongsawat Worawihan or Wat Prayun was built in the 19th century near Memorial Bridge, Thonburi, Bangkok. Somdet Chao Phraya Borom Maha Prayurawongse, a wealthy man from an influential and noble Siamese family dedicated his own coffee estate to build this royal temple. In his honour, the temple was named “Prayun Wongsawat\u201d. In 2018, the temple celebrated its 190th anniversary. It was recongnized by UNESCO in 2013 and got awarded Cultural Heritage Conservation Award of Excellence in the same year.<\/p>\n