Wat Pakhininat

Wat Phakininat Worawihan is one of Bangkok's ancient temples, believed to have been built before the establishment of Rattanakosin. Originally named "Wat Bang Chak," it was so called due to its location at the mouth of Khlong Bang Chak (Bang Chak Canal). Locals referred to it as “Wat Nok” (Outer Temple), as it was considered the counterpart to the “Inner Temples,” which included Wat Paorohit, Wat Thong, and Wat Singh.

 

During the reign of King Rama III, the temple was renamed “Wat Phakininat” and elevated to the status of a third-class royal temple (Worawihan). Archaeological experts believe, based on remaining architectural structures such as the main vihara (sanctuary hall), that the temple originally dates back to the late Ayutthaya period.

 

In the early Rattanakosin period, Princess Krom Luang Thep Kasattri (Somdet Chao Fa Ying Krom Luang Thepphawi) the youngest daughter of King Rama I initiated a renovation of the temple. The reconstruction was completed with only the ordination hall (ubosot) at that time. According to Muen Phinitphonphak (Chit Phongchinda), another hall once stood north of the main residence (guti), but it fell into disrepair and was eventually dismantled during the abbacy of Phra Khru Wisutthisangwon (Phra Ajahn Phong) and replaced with a new building.

 

The new sermon hall was extended toward the east, along the banks of the river. However, it too fell into disuse due to structural deterioration and was eventually abandoned. The old ordination hall was then converted into a vihara (sanctuary), and a new ordination hall was constructed for official use.

 

This new ordination hall measured 1 sen (40 meters), 8 wa (16 meters), and 2 sok (1 meter) in length. The principal Buddha image enshrined inside the ubosot is 5 sok (2 meters) wide and 7 sok (2.8 meters) tall. The ubosot is surrounded by a cloister (viharn khot) on all sides, with elevated platforms for housing 80 Buddha images, a design believed to date back to either the reign of King Rama I or King Rama II or possibly initiated in the former and completed in the latter.

 

Given these historical nuances, it is worth recounting the life of Princess Krom Luang Thepphawi, to offer context for readers. She was born in 1777 (B.E. 2320), the 10th child of King Taksin of Thonburi. Her birth name was “Iang” or “Nok Iang” (meaning “starling” or “myna bird”). At the age of five, her father ascended the throne as King Rama I, and she was elevated to the rank of Princess Phraphawadi (or Praphaiwadi).

 

Later, she was successively given the titles Krom Khun and Krom Luang Thepphawi. She lived through 27 years of King Rama I’s reign and 14 years of King Rama II’s reign, passing away just one year before King Rama II’s death in 1824 (B.E. 2367). Historical records mention that her cremation ceremony was held that same year. Eleven days after the start of Buddhist Lent, King Rama II passed away, and King Rama III ascended the throne.

 

Following her death, a royal command was issued to dismantle her residence and rebuild it as the abbot’s quarters. Additionally, the name of Wat Bang Chak was officially changed to Wat Phakininat (originally spelled "Phakininat").

 

At the time of King Rama I’s death, the princess was 32 years old. She lived an additional 12 years during King Rama II’s reign, passing away at the age of 47. Since Princess Krom Luang Thepphawi had no children to inherit her position or responsibilities, the care and upkeep of the temple fell to successive abbots and devoted laypeople. Thus, the prosperity of Wat Phakininat has fluctuated over time, depending on the dedication and leadership of each abbot.