|
WAT CHANASONGKHRAM RATCHAWORAMAHAWIHAN
King Rama I appointed a Mon group of monks to look after
this Ayutthaya period temple, so it became known in the
Mon language as Wat Tong Pu. When Somdet Chao Phraya Maha
Surasinghanat moved his troops back to Bangkok after victory
in the battle of the Nine Armies, there was a ceremony of
ritual bathing and changing of robes before he entered the
Grand Palace, so the main temple was restored in 1787. After
that, King Rama I gave it the name Wat Chanasongkhram.
Ubosot: This dates from the reign of King R.jma I.
Gable end decoration is a Naga or serpent, a special feature
of Front Palace artisans. Behind the chapel walls and window
frames are flame motifs. Ogival stones on the temple wall
are in the shape of Vishnu mounted on a Garuda. The outside
arch has stucco flame motifs, while inside the door frames
are coloured paintings. Around the chapel and behind the
principal Buddha image are containers of the ashes of the
princes of five kings.
Chedi: Two chedis were built
in front of the chapel in the early Rattanakosin period.
They are in the Jom Hae, or wide base and sharp top shape.
Principal Buddha Image: Phra
Putthanorasitrilokachet is an image in the Subduing Mara
posture, made of plaster, lined with lead and gilded,
in the reign of King Rama I. The base is surrounded by 15
Buddha images which were all made at the same time.
|