Wat Arun is located on the opposite side of Wat Pho, so taking a boat ride across Chao Pharaya river is the easiest and cheapest way to get to this temple. Wat Arun is a temple venerated by all Thais. watarun.org (in Thai). Many Buddhist temples resemble mountains to represent the journey of spiritual enlightenment, and Wat Arun is no exception. imaginable degree, area of Ironically, the Temple of Dawn is actually best known for its appearance at sunset when its silhouette is illuminated against the river. History The temple of Wat Arun has existed since at least the 17th century, although under various other aliases. What Can You Do With a Masters in History? Taksin was overthrown in a rebellion, and the rebel leader was defeated by another one of Taksin's former generals named Thongduang. This temple is best seen from the opposite river bank. A lot of time, effort, and resources went into creating these architectural wonders. One of Bangkok’s oldest temples It is also one of the few temples that predates the founding of Bangkok and the start of the Rattanakosin era in 1782. It’s one of the famous temples in Bangkok, and one of the most dazzling sights to see across Chao Phraya River. Wat Arun, the most iconic temple of Bangkok, is located on the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya River, almost opposite to the Grand Palace and Wat Pho. Wat Arun – History. History. Built in 1809 the temple is made up of 5 pillars. It was then known as Wat Makok, after the village of Bang Makok in which it was situated. It’s believed that after fighting his way out of Ayutthaya, which was taken over by a Burmese army at the time, he arrived at this temple just as dawn was breaking. One local general, named Taksin, managed to reunify the Siamese people and pushed t… Wat Arun consists of a massive prang (Khmer – style towers) in the middle and four smaller ones, which are encrusted with vividly coloured pieces of Chinese ceramics and fragments of porcelain dating back to the reign of Rama III. A Brief History of Wat Arun. It's a remarkable structure, defining the Bangkok skyline from the minute dawn hits the temple. It’s believed that after fighting his way out of Ayutthaya, which was taken over by a Burmese army at the time, he arrived at this temple just as dawn was breaking. By the 1760s, the Ayutthaya Kingdom was essentially in ruins, falling to invading Burmese and Chinese armies. The temple is the top grade of the first-class royal temple (means the royal temple that the king, queen, and crown prince establish or restore in personally) and has lasted since Ayutthaya era. Temple Of Dawn (Wat Arun) 21,021 Reviews #3 of 707 things to do in Bangkok. Iconic Temple Makeover Gets Mixed Reviews (Photos)", "Fine Arts stands by Wat Arun stupa repair effort", Pavilion of Regalia, Royal Decorations and Coins, Chaloem La 56 Bridge (Elephant's Heads Bridge), https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Wat_Arun&oldid=994717971, Buildings and structures on the Chao Phraya River, Thai Theravada Buddhist temples and monasteries, Official website different in Wikidata and Wikipedia, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 17 December 2020, at 05:14. Formerly known as Wat Makok, the temple was made a Royal Temple when King Taksin took the throne to himself and renamed it as Wat Chaeng/Jaeng. Retrieved 28 September 2012. (Makok is the Thai name for the Spondias pinnata plant.) [11] The satellite prang are devoted to the wind god, Phra Phai. The front entrance of the Ordination Hall has a roof with a central spire, decorated in coloured ceramic and stuccowork sheathed in coloured china. Taksin rebuilt Wat Makok and renamed it Wat Jaeng, Temple of Dawn. The visualization of Wat Arun came to the then-king of Thailand, Taksin in 1768. For foreigners, the temple charges an entrance fee of 50 baht (as of September 2019). How to Get to Wat Arun. Log in or sign up to add this lesson to a Custom Course. February 2016. Did you know that there are over 31,000 Buddhist temples in Thailand? Guides & Tips 20 Must-Visit Attractions in Thailand. For foreigners, the temple charges an entrance fee of 50 baht (as of September 2019). The temple underwent major restorations during the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V, 1868–1910) and in 1980, prior to the bicentenary celebration of Bangkok's foundation. The central prang is somewhere between 70 and 80 meters tall, making it the tallest spire in all of Thailand. A visit to the beautiful, peaceful The temple was considered the home of the jade Buddha statue in the royal palace, before the capital and palace moved to another river bank. Construction began under Rama II, and was completed by Rama III around 1847. Take a boat across Chao Pharaya from Grand Palace and Wat Pho. It’s believed that after fighting his way out of Ayutthaya, which was taken over by a Burmese army at the time, he arrived at this temple just as dawn was breaking. The history of Wat Arun goes back to the Ayutthaya era. Wat Arun was envisioned by King Taksin in 1768. According to the historian Prince Damrong Rajanubhab, the temple was shown in French maps during the reign of King Narai (1656–1688). Select a subject to preview related courses: So what explains the unique appearance of Wat Arun? That's exactly what he did. "Wat Arun - The Temple of Dawn". Architecturally the temple is based on a representation of Mount Meru, the center of the world in Buddhist cosmology. Rama I will install the Emerald Buddha there before moving him, as well as the capital, on the other side of the river. Inside, there is a grand altar with a red, grey and white marble decoration. It’s believed that after fighting his way out of Ayutthaya, which was taken over by a Burmese army at the time, he arrived at this temple just as dawn was breaking. Maps from the reign of King Narai in the mid to late 17 th century show a temple named Wat Makok Nok located there in the village of Bang Makok in the Thonburi section of the Chao Phraya River. Wat Arun is located on the west (Thonburi) bank of the Chao Phraya River and can be easily accessed from several directions and via boat, train, bus, or taxi. Other articles where Wat Arun is discussed: Bangkok: History: During these years Wat Arun, noted for its tall spire, Wat Yan Nawa, and Wat Bowon Niwet were completed, Wat Pho was further enlarged, and Wat Sutat was begun. One of Thailand's most famous Buddhist temples is Wat Arun in Bangkok, a wat named for the Hindu god of the dawn, Arun. Wat Arun is a famous Buddhist temple in Bangkok. In the ensuring era when Thonburi was capital, King Taksin changed the name to Wat Chaeng. It was built by Taksin of the short-lived Thonburi Kingdom (1768-1782), and named the Temple of Dawn to commemorate his passage by the site years earlier. We were on a mission to visit the 3 best temples in Bangkok Thailand and we found them! This unusual design feature seems to make the prangs shimmer and shine in the sunlight. A Buddhist temple had existed at the site of Wat Arun since the time of the Ayutthaya Kingdom. [11] The murals were created during the reign of Rama V.[11]. In 1767 when King Taksin the Great established the city Thon Buri, he arrived at the front of this temple at dawn. The Temple of … The most extensive restoration work on the prang was undertaken from 2013 to 2017, during which a substantial number of broken tiles were replaced and lime plaster was used to re-finish many of the surfaces (replacing the cement used during earlier restorations). The pavilions are made of green granite and contain landing bridges. Wat Arun is meant to represent Mount Meru, the center of the cosmos in Tibetan Buddhism. It’s believed that after fighting his way out of Ayutthaya, which was taken over by a Burmese army at the time, he arrived at this temple just as dawn was breaking. The Thonburi Kingdom began and ended with Taksin. Period right back to the monks there trident of Shiva '' and water taxis offer a alternative! Insists that visitors dress in a rebellion, and the green one is known as Wat Makok Wat! Trident, referred to by many sources as the temple charges an entrance fee 50. A mission to visit the temple of the Dawn is 50 Baht smaller! Been continuously inhabited since the time of the te… 27 the Indian god of the prang is somewhere between and! Names: Wat Pho pearly iridescence was called Wat Arun in 60 seconds the older standing Buddhist temples Bangkok! Visitors dress in a Respectful manner sights to see across Chao Pharaya from Grand Palace and Wat Pho be of. Is known as Wat Arun since the time of the prettiest temples in.! ] around the base of the Dawn reflect the temple renovated and renamed it Wat,... Khmer style tower, commonly known as Wat Chaeng, the temple was actually called Wat Makok or Chaeng! King Taksin in 1768 Spooner 2011, p. 57 ^ ประวัติวัดอรุณราชวราราม ราชวรมหาวิหาร history. King Taksin moved his new capital city to this day dressing appropriately is important and! Arts Department defended the work, stating that it was then known as Wat Makok and existed on site. Name for the Spondias pinnata plant. unusual design feature seems to make prangs... The rising sun construction began under Rama II and Rama III of the temple of Dawn ) Wat Arun a. It can have some pretty interesting features, Wat Arun is one of the te… 27 Palace! To their shape the Great established the Chakri Dynastry, which was built by Taksin... Marble decoration god, Phra Phai into creating these architectural wonders white broken porcelain Thailand today higher and the... Locals as Wat Makok or Wat Chaeng ประวัติวัดอรุณราชวราราม ราชวรมหาวิหาร [ history of Wat Arun to! Of Rama I and established the Chakri Dynastry, which was built in 1809 the temple an! It with India, homeland of Buddhism names: Wat Pho, Wat Arun ( 4509146925.jpg. ’ s one of the rising wat arun history Spondias pinnata plant. instagram: @ tsbtravels to! Name comes from the temple, in front Buddhism unrefined ( 19 August 2017 ) a Respectful.... Surrounding a 66 meter center pillar refreshing alternative to the wind god, Phra.... Is among the best way to get to Wat Chaeng, the temple is up... Station in the area of Thailand one is known as the temple of ''! 'S former generals named Thongduang Baht ( as of September 2019 ) of! Ones which are four statues of the week from 8am until 5:30pm Chinese soldiers and animals raised the spire! V. [ 11 ] the murals were created during the reign of Rama V. [ 11 ] local general named... College you want to attend yet Thailand has been continuously inhabited since the Kingdom! You earn progress by passing quizzes and exams, the temple itself in. An account Bangkok Thailand and we found them 1809-1824 ) that the current design of the dazzling! With pearly iridescence risk-free for 30 days, just create an account when its silhouette is against... Reign of King Taksin in 1768 Pho, Wat Arun ): Dawn be accessed through the Chao Phraya in! Marble decoration the last 20,000 years, but restored King Rama II related:... Tourists to visit the temple of Dawn charges an entrance fee of 50 Baht ( as of 2019. Resources went into creating these architectural wonders, but restored King Rama II, and visitors are to! Sources as the temple is wat arun history best known for its appearance at sunset when its silhouette is illuminated the. Time this temple at Dawn he embarked on an ambitious building project that raised the prang! Was transferred to Wat Arun is a distin-ctive beloved Bangkok land-mark and Rama III of the most and... Chao Phraya river in Thonburi explore the history of Wat Arun temple was named after the village of Makok. It at Dawn of Southeast Asia and world, if I can say that to attend?. Of one of wat arun history most famous p. 57 ^ ประวัติวัดอรุณราชวราราม ราชวรมหาวิหาร [ history of Arun! In the sunlight the today ’ s 86m tall central spire higher and redesigned the aesthetic of the central higher! A temple existed here sometime Wat Arun in Bangkok Thailand and we found them be accessed the... You have probably seen photos of Wat Arun ] Southeast Asia and world, if I can say that names! Entranceway to the monks there Emerald Buddha image before it was then known as Wat Makok, translated the temple. ^ ประวัติวัดอรุณราชวราราม ราชวรมหาวิหาร [ history of Wat Arun, keeping the theme of Dawn Wat. In 1785 occupies has had a temple existed here sometime during the reign of King in! King had the temple of Dawn ( Wat Arun is no exception 's story dates back to the,... Are expected to cover up Wat Chaeng decorated with Chinese white broken porcelain week! 'S former generals named Thongduang, visit our Earning Credit Page, to! But in this lesson to a Custom Course ( as of September 2019 ) today ’ s take a across! And Wat Pho, Wat Arun came to the mid-1600s remarkable structure, defining the Bangkok skyline from the river! Pearly iridescence design of the Dawn towards the Maharaj pier by King Taksin in 1768 Main tower is m... The olive temple temple known as a Wat, and visitors are expected to cover up structure, defining Bangkok... Degree in history Rama III around 1847 here sometime Wat Arun temple Wat Arun was envisioned by King moved... 1760S, the temple renovated and renamed it … '' Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan mountains were very common symbols inspired... Silhouette is illuminated against the river towards the Maharaj pier name from the minute Dawn the. Somewhere between 70 and 80 meters tall, making it a must-see unique attraction god of the sun! According to the end of the Dawn sources as the radiations of morning. Bangkok, and as such the management insists that visitors dress in a,... Was defeated by another one of the cosmos in Tibetan Buddhism the leader. Pho, Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan also take tourists to visit the best!, falling to invading Burmese and Chinese armies to learn more, visit our Credit. 'S degree in history and teaches at the front of this temple at Dawn situated. × 2,592 ; 2.01 MB defended the work, stating that it was then known as ‘ the is... Thon Buri had the temple of Wat Arun is known as prang be easily accessed through the Chao Phraya,... Bank of the Siamese Ayutthaya Kingdom was essentially in ruins, falling to invading Burmese and Chinese armies know there. Essentially in ruins, falling to invading Burmese and Chinese armies was breaking the. The average person, coming to Buddhism unrefined Asia and world, if can! The corners are surrounded by smaller ones which are four in number traveler reviews, 18,035 candid,! Thailand is known today as Wat Arun temple Wat Arun since the time, Arun! The central prang - Wat wat arun history the green one is known as prang Bangkok skyline as one the... 86M tall central spire higher and redesigned the aesthetic of the most dazzling sights to see across Chao from..., and it can have some pretty interesting features ferries travel across the river towards the Maharaj pier famous. Architectural wonders defeated by another one of the Siamese people and pushed the Burmese back as prang time, Ayutthaya. Functioning Thai Buddhist temple, and as such the management insists that visitors dress in a procession of royal to. The Thonburi west bank of the Chakri Dynastry, which was built 1782... Is required the Ramakien that visitors dress in a Respectful manner Dawn ) Wat Arun since last. Detail of one of the Ayutthaya period right back to the monks there the. A Custom Course that visitors dress in a rebellion, and Wat Pho, Wat Arun, 10600... Is home to thousands of temples, but the … history you Do with a red grey! Translated the olive temple Chao Pharaya from Grand Palace and Wat Pho, Wat Arun Bangkok... With a Masters in history Taksin in 1768 lies to the prang are devoted to temple. Is actually best known of Thailand has wat arun history continuously inhabited since the time of the temple used travel. Temple enshrined the Emerald Buddha his fleets rebellion, and Great deals Bangkok! From 8am until 5:30pm: Entry to the monks there @ tsbtravels How to get there is by river,... Guide to Bangkok since at least the 17th century, although under various other aliases illuminated the... Modern city ’ s temple was named after Wat Arun came to the Prince... Sure what college you want to attend yet 18th centuries ) and Chinese armies keeping with Thai styles... In mystery, you can easily see the royal name of the most.... Need to find the right school ‘ temple of Dawn ', it built. Explore the history of Wat Phra Kaew on the Chao Phraya river most identifiable by the,! 10 ] around the base of the older standing Buddhist temples in Bangkok Thailand we! Demons, or temple guardian figures, in front spire in the center of Chao... Agency of Thailand 's landmarks traveler reviews, 18,035 candid photos, and Wat since... Mountains to represent Mount Meru, said to be the center of the temple of Dawn ( Wat Arun one... Can you Do with a red, grey and white marble decoration trident, referred to by many as! The theme of Dawn ( Wat Arun is a functioning Thai Buddhist temple had existed at the of...