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Wat Arun - Temple of Dawn
Wat Arun, or better known as the Temple of Dawn, is
named after the Indian God of dawn, Aruna, and belongs
to Bangkok’s most famous and sacred landmarks. It
consists of a massive Phra Prang (Khmer-style tower) and
is surrounded by four smaller ones on each corner of the
tower. The most attractive structure is the
approximately 82 meter high central prang which
symbolizes the legendary Mount Meru, the terrestrial
representation of the thirty-three heavens. It is
beautifully decorated with seashells and mosaic of
multi-color Chinese porcelain which had previously been
used as ballast by boats coming to Bangkok from China.
Around its base are various figures of ancient Chinese
soldiers and animals, and over the second terrace are
four statues of the Hindu god Indra riding on Erawan, a
mythological three-headed elephant. The four outer
satellite prangs are dedicated and each hold statues of
the wind god Phra Phai.
Climbing up the pagoda to the central terrace is an
absolute must since is offers a panoramic view of
Wat
Phra Kaew and
Wat Pho across the river.
Despite the name of Temple of Dawn, the best views and
photos is at sunset, when the sun is glowing red behind
the massive temple; or at night when dozens of lights
illuminate the outline of the prang. There are some
restaurants on the opposite bank of the river which
grant an excellent view of Wat Arun. Sunset in Bangkok
is around 6pm – 7pm all year round.
Other attractions
Also a worth look is the interior of the temple hall
next to the prangs. The main Niramitr Buddha image is
believed to be designed by King Rama II himself. The
front entrance of the Ordination Hall has a roof with a
central spire, decorated in colored ceramic and
stuccowork. There are 2 giant demons - or temple
guardian figures - from the epic Ramayana named
Sahassateja (white figure) and Tasakanth (green figure).
History
The striking Temple of Dawn was built in the 17th
century in the days of Thailand's ancient capital of Ayutthaya and originally known as Wat Makok (The Olive
Temple). In the ensuing era when Thonburi was capital,
King Taksin changed the name to Wat Chaeng.
During the Thonburi period, the Wat was regarded as the
royal temple and housed the revered Emerald Buddha for 4
years. It was later moved to
Wat Phra Kaew in 1785 after
the new capital ‘Rattanakosin’ was established. The later King Rama II changed the name to Wat
Arunratchatharam. He restored the temple and enlarged
the central prang. The work was finished by King Rama
III. King Rama IV gave the temple the present name Wat
Arunratchawararam
Getting there
Wat Arun is located on the west bank of the
Chao Phraya
River in Thonburi. To get there, take the BTS Sky train
(Silom line) to Saphan Taksin station and descend via
exit 1 to Tha Sathon pier where you can take the Chao
Phraya Express boat. When you reach Tha Tien pier, get
off and take the cross-river boat service which takes to
Wat Arun on the other side.
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