Wat Khruawan

Wat Khruawan Worawihan, a noteworthy temple in Bangkok, has an uncertain founding date due to the lack of definitive records. However, it is mentioned in the book “Tamnan Phra Aram Luang lae Thamniap Samana Sakk” (The Chronicles of Royal Monasteries and Ecclesiastical Titles), compiled by Chao Phraya Wichitwongwutthikrai (M.R. Khli Sutthas), and presented to King Chulalongkorn (Rama V). The book states:

 

“Wat Khruawan Worawihan is located on the south side of Khlong Mon. It was established during the reign of King Rama III by Chao Phraya Aphai Phuthon and offered to the King as a royal temple. The King then bestowed the name Wat Khruawan Worawihan. Later, King Rama III ordered restorations, followed by further renovations by Chao Phraya Phuthon Phai, and King Rama V also contributed to its restoration”.

 

There remains debate regarding the actual founder and date of construction. Some accounts suggest that Chao Phraya Aphai Phuthon (Noi Bunyarataphan) had already passed away at the time of the temple's construction. According to The Royal Chronicles of Rattanakosin Reign of King Rama III by Chao Phraya Thipakorawong, it was Chao Chom Khruawan, his daughter and a royal consort during King Rama III’s reign, who initiated the temple's construction. The chronicles state:

 

“In Khlong Mon, a temple was being constructed by Chao Chom Khruawan, daughter of Chao Phraya Aphai Phuthon. However, she passed away before its completion, so His Majesty commanded that the work be continued and named the temple Wat Khruawan Worawihan”.

 

Thus, the temple was named after Chao Chom Khruawan of the Bunyarataphan family, to which the temple is historically tied.

 

Throughout its history, Wat Khruawan received royal patronage. King Rama III personally undertook restorations and even attended the royal Kathin robe-offering ceremony on November 9, 1850 (as recorded in The History of Temples Throughout the Kingdom, Volume 1, p. 233, by the Department of Religious Affairs).

 

Later, Chao Phraya Phuthon Phai (Nuch Bunyarataphan) carried out renovations and built two stupas to enshrine the ashes of members of the Bunyarataphan family or those closely connected.

 

During King Mongkut’s reign (Rama IV), further restorations and the construction of a single stupa took place (Department of Religious Affairs, History of Temples Throughout the Kingdom, Volume 1, p. 235).

 

Royal patronage continued into the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V). On several occasions, the King either personally performed the Kathin ceremony or delegated royal family members to represent him. One notable instance is recorded in the Royal Gazette, Vol. 16, October 22, R.S. 118 (1899), p. 443, which states that His Majesty commissioned His Royal Highness Prince Ratchasak Sonborat to offer the royal Kathin robe at Wat Khruawan Worawihan on November 1, 1899.