Phra Prang Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn Pagoda)
The Phra Prang is located behind the Bot Noi (small ordination hall) and Wihan Noi (small vihara). This position was originally the site of a Phra Prang with a height of 8 wa, or approximately 16 meters. It is believed to have been constructed during the Ayutthaya period, serving as the main prang of the temple.
The current Phra Prang is an enlargement of the original prang, making it a “Maha That” (great stupa/reliquary) for Bangkok. Construction began in the late reign of King Rama II and was completed during the reign of King Rama III.
The architectural style features a large central prang with a raised base. The base is adorned with sculptures of yak baek (giant bearers), krabi baek (monkey bearers), and thewada baek (angel bearers), rising in tiers to symbolize the hierarchical levels of heaven around Mount Meru. The central prang has five spires, positioned in the middle of the raised base. The arches in all four cardinal directions are adorned with sculptures of Phra In (Indra) riding Erawan (the three-headed elephant), symbolizing the founding concept of Bangkok.
There are smaller prang satellites at each of the four corners, along with khrueang yot song mondop (mondop-style crowned structures) on all four sides. All these structures are situated on a large shared base known as the “than phai thi” (tiered base/pedestal). A stone courtyard surrounds the than phai thi, and the boundary of the Phra Prang is defined by an iron fence and entrance arches built during the reign of King Rama V.
The Phra Prang of Wat Arun Ratchawararam is significant for its developmental role in the architectural form of prang during the Rattanakosin period. It exemplifies a style known as “Prang Song Chom Hae” (fishing net-shaped prang). This style incorporates the characteristics of a fishing net’s shape into the design of the prang, drawing from the chedi yor mum (indented-corner chedi) style (Santi Pakdeekham, 2012).
Furthermore, the Phra Prang stands out for its elaborate decorative technique, featuring glazed ceramic tiles across its entire surface. The ornamentation displays a variety of styles, including Chinese porcelain ware, custom-patterned glazed tiles, and fragmented tile pieces cut and assembled into intricate designs. This decorative method, influenced by Chinese techniques, was popularly adopted in Thai architecture and arts during the “Phra Ratchaniyom ” (Royal Preference) period of King Rama III’s reign.
We encourage everyone to observe the detailed tile ornamentation on the Phra Prang up close. You’ll discover a unique and beautiful composition of various shapes and colors of ceramic cups, bowls, and plates.
Interesting Fact: At the very top of Phra Prang, Wat Arun, a crown of Phra Phuttha Maha Chakraphat is adorned.
Phra Phuttha Maha Chakraphat is the principal Buddha image enshrined in the Ubosot at Wat Nang Nong. The statue is gilded bronze Buddha image in the Pang Man Wichai (Subduing Mara) posture, depicted in royal regalia with facial features reflect the Sukhothai artistic style, and statue lap width measures 2.25 meters. All the pieces of royal attire are separate from the main body of the Buddha image and are placed upon it. The statue is enshrined on a chukkachee (pedestal) decorated with gilded stucco patterns and glass mosaic.
This Buddha sculpture was a significant piece of Buddhist art during the reign of King Rama III. The exquisite and magnificent royal regalia of the image so impressed King Rama III that he requested the crown of Phra Phuttha Maha Chakraphat to be placed on the top of the trident of Phra Prang, Wat Arun Ratchawararam. Later, a new crown was commissioned and offered back to the Buddha image during his reign.
