Wat Rakhang, Bangkok | Temple of the Bells, History, Architecture

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Wat Rakhang, Bangkok Overview

Wat Rakang, or the temple of bells, is a lesser-known temple of Bangkok. Established in the 18th century, the temple has five giant bells and a seated Buddha in the meditation position in the centre. The architecture of the temple is sublime, and the murals inside the ordination hall are gorgeous and noteworthy. The locals believe that sounding of the bells will bring them fame and good reputation.

Wat Rakhang is famous for being the residence of the renowned Somdet Phra Phutthachan, the supreme patriarch who widely read and possessed extensive scripture knowledge. The scriptures include the teachings of Lord Buddha in Pali that have passed through each generation. This second-grade royal temple remains packed with visitors on weekends with the pealing of bells renting the air throughout the day.

The ones keen to observe the rituals and pray to the Lord Buddha find their way to the ordination hall, known as the Ubosot. The reigning deity here is the smiling Buddha named by King Rama VI. The entire walls of the ubosot display beautiful murals that depict the tales from the Jatakas, reckoned to be a part of the holy Buddhist scriptures.

History

Wat Rakhang was originally called Wat Bang Wa Yai, dating back to the Ayutthaya era when it had been built by the reigning King Taksin. However, the entire temple was relocated to Wat Phra Kaeo after a bell had been discovered in the grounds by King Rama I who ruled over Thailand in the 18th century. The reigning king added 5 new bells to the temple that became famous as the temple of bells henceforth. Visitors are amazed to find all the bells remain intact to date.

Wat Rakhang Architecture

Bell Statue at Wat Rakhang Bangkok — Wat Rakhang is Known as the Temple of Bells
(Source)

All temple activities are centred around the ubosot that is in a reasonably good condition due to multiple renovations. The walls of the hall display magnificent painted murals commissioned in the time of Rama VI. The windows are decorated in gold and are fabulously ornate with horn-like projections hanging down from the ceiling. There are nine boundary markers in place, as well. The Holy library, known as the Ho Phra Tripitaka, can be found adjacent to the ubosot. It happens to be a red wooden building housing the ancient Buddhist scriptures. The scriptures can be seen on either side of a central panel containing a massive portrait of King Rama I. This portion has an attached altar for visitors keen on paying homage to the temple's builder. However, it is the replica of a huge golden bell placed by the side of the river that grabs attention instantly.

Visitor Tips

Wat Rakhang Bangkok Thailand — Wat Rakhang in Bangkok, Thailand
(Source)

Devout Buddhists are advised to take the nine temple tour that includes a stopover at Wat Rakhang.
It is best to visit the temple on weekdays as weekends are usually crowded.
It is mandatory to cover knees and shoulders at the temple.
Touching the holy scriptures or statues is forbidden.
Wearing loose clothing is advisable to avoid the heat.
It is best to keep the valuables secured within the person.

How To Reach Wat Rakhang

Located on the Arun Arnarin Road of Bangkok, the Wat Rakhang can be reached by boarding Bus No. 57 from the city centre. It's convenient to take the Skytrain up to the Taksin Bridge and then take the riverboat to alight at the Chang pier in the vicinity of the Grand Palace of Thailand. The best way to reach the entrance of the temple is to cross the river by ferry from the pier by paying a small fee of THB 3 per passenger. Foreign nationals frequently hire private cars to drive along the Arun Arnarin Road and make use of the multi-tier parking place that offers free parking for an hour.