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Phra Ubosot

Sacred Root - Phra Ubosot

Phra Ubosot

The Phra Ubosot (Ordination Hall) of Wat Arun Ratchawararam Woramahawihan is the royal temple of the reign of Phra Bat Somdet Phra Phutthaloetla Naphalai (King Rama II), as he held a profound connection to this temple. Since his time as Somdet Phra Chao Luk Ya Thoe (Royal Prince), when he resided at the Phra Ratchawang Doem (Old Royal Palace in Thonburi), he commanded the complete restoration of all ancient structures within the entire royal temple. He ordered the construction of the Phra Ubosot and Phra Wihan (Assembly Hall), continuing the work initiated during the reign of King Rama I.

Phra Phutthathammitsarat Lokathatdilok

It is said that King Rama II personally sculpted the Phra Phak (face) of this Buddha image with his own hands. He then commanded it to be cast and enshrined as the principal Buddha image in the Phra Ubosot. It is in the Pang Man Wichai (Subduing Mara) posture, with a lap width of 3 sok and 1 khuep (approximately 1.75 meters).

Initially, it had no specific name. Due to King Rama II’s deep connection and faith in Wat Arun, King Mongkut (Rama IV) later enshrined the Phra Borom Atthi (royal ashes) of King Rama II within the Phra Phuttha At (Buddha’s seat) of this principal Buddha image. After he had completed the renovation of the temple, King Mongkut bestowed upon it the name “Phra Phutthathammitsarat Lokathatdilok.“

Image: Phra Phutthathammitsarat Lokathatdilok (Source: www.aey.me)

Did You Know?

It is believed that those who worship Phra Phutthathammitsarat Lokathatdilok will have their wishes fulfilled regarding finances, work, and health. Additionally, in this Phra Ubosot, there is a century-old tho nam mon (holy water pot) placed in front of the principal Buddha image, allowing people to sprinkle holy water for auspiciousness.

Phra Phutthanaruemit

Phra Bat Somdet Phra Chom Klao Chao Yu Hua (King Rama IV) commanded the casting of Phra Phutthanaruemit, modeled after the Phra Phuttharup Chalong Phra Ong  (commemorative Buddha image) of King Rama II, which was enshrined in Ho Phra Surathalai Phiman within the Grand Palace. Later, during the reign of Phra Bat Somdet Phra Chulachom Klao Chao Yu Hua (King Rama V), he commanded that it be invited and enshrined on the busabok with a prang-top, located in front of the Phra Ubosot.

Image: Phra Phutthanaruemit in front of the Ubosot (Source: www.historyoftemples.kachon.com)
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