Wat Yanasangwararam is a first-class royal monastery of the Woramahawihan type, located in Huai Yai Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province. It belongs to the Dhammayuttika Nikaya sect and was established under the leadership of Somdet Phra Sangharaja Chao Krom Luang Vajirananavarorasa (Supreme Patriarch), who served as the principal patron of its construction. At present, the abbot of the temple is Phra Sophonkanaporn (Chaiwat Chayawatthano). This temple holds great significance in terms of religion, history, and Thai culture, attracting Buddhist devotees, tourists, and those interested in studying Buddhism from across the country and around the world.

 

The origins of Wat Yanasangwararam date back to 1976 (B.E. 2519) when Dr. Khajon and Khunying Nithiwadi Ontarakan, together with their family, donated over 300 rai of land to establish the temple. Later, the committee responsible for the temple’s creation purchased additional land, expanding the total area to 366 rai, 2 ngan, and 11 square wah. In 1977 (B.E. 2520), it was officially granted permission to be established as a Buddhist monastery under the name “Yan Sangwararam Meditation Center.” On February 21, 1980 (B.E. 2523), it was elevated to the status of a temple. The temple was later granted the royal consecration boundary (Wisungkhamsima) by royal decree on March 25, 1982 (B.E. 2525). On March 22, 1988 (B.E. 2531), an announcement was published in the Royal Gazette by the Ministry of Education, declaring the temple as a first-class royal monastery of the Woramahawihan type, effective retroactively from March 4, 1988. This recognition marked an important milestone, signifying the temple’s spiritual and cultural importance within Thai society.

 

The temple is renowned for its sacred architecture and religious structures, each rich in symbolism and artistry. The main ordination hall (Ubosot) was built in dedication to King Taksin the Great. Its architectural design was adapted from the old Rangsri Ubosot at Wat Bowonniwet Vihara in Bangkok. The principal Buddha image enshrined inside the ordination hall is named “Somdet Phra Phuttha Yan Nares,” created in honor of King Naresuan the Great. His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great personally presided over the casting ceremony of the Buddha image on August 14, 1980, a historic and revered event for the temple.

 

Another remarkable landmark is the Phra Borommathat Chedi Maha Chakri Phiphat (Great Relic Pagoda of the Chakri Dynasty), built to pay homage to King Rama I, the founder of the Chakri Dynasty, and his royal lineage. Construction began on February 16, 1981 (B.E. 2524). The first level of the pagoda houses a large ceremonial hall used for religious activities and merit-making ceremonies. The second level enshrines a golden stupa containing sacred relics of the Buddha, connected by a symbolic core reaching from the ground to the top of the structure. The third level features niches with three highly revered Buddha images: Phra Phuttha Phra Borommarachathirat (Phra Por Por Ror) at the center, Phra Phuttha Phai Ri Pinat on the right, and Phra Chinnarat Siha Sada on the left. There is also a niche for the royal emblem of the Chakri Dynasty, which King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great personally installed on July 30, 1985. This pagoda has since become one of the most sacred and venerated places for visitors and devotees.

 

The temple also features the Phra Maha Mondop Phutthabat Por Por Ror - Sor Kor, built to express gratitude and reverence to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great and Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother. With royal permission, the initials Por Por Ror (ภปร.) and Sor Kor (สก.) were enshrined on the mondop, symbolizing the deep connection between the Thai monarchy and Buddhism.

 

Another important structure is Sala Anek Kuson Saw Kor-Wor, a multipurpose hall built to honor the Princess Mother, Somdet Phra Srinagarindra Boromarajajonani, and Princess Galyani Vadhana, the elder sister of King Bhumibol Adulyadej. This single-story reinforced concrete building serves as a dining hall for monks. The foundation stone-laying ceremony took place on April 6, 1983 (B.E. 2526). Inside, a Buddha image named Apor-Mor is enshrined. It was created to honor King Ananda Mahidol (Rama VIII) and Prince Mahidol Adulyadej, the father of King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The initials of both figures were respectfully inscribed on the image with royal permission, symbolizing their enduring legacy.

 

The temple also includes Sala Anek Kuson MuaK-SorThor, a two-story reinforced concrete hall dedicated to King Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X) and Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. The upper floor, paved with Thai marble, houses the revered Buddha image Phra Phuttha Phai Ri Pinat. The hall is used for evening chanting, meditation practice, and Dhamma training, making it a central space for spiritual development.

 

Wat Yanasangwararam is not only an architectural masterpiece but also a profound symbol of the harmonious relationship between the Thai monarchy and Buddhism. It serves as an important center for Dhamma study, meditation, and spiritual practice in eastern Thailand. Visitors are welcomed into a serene and sacred environment where they can experience tranquility, pay respect to the sacred relics, and learn about Thailand’s rich history and cultural heritage. This temple remains a significant spiritual destination, combining religious devotion, artistic grandeur, and the enduring values of Thai society.