Wat Prodket Chettharam

Rating: 3.5/5 (4 votes)

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 07:00 – 18:00

 

Wat Prodket Chettharam is a third-class royal temple located on Songtham Road in Song Khanong Subdistrict, Phra Pradaeng District, Samut Prakan Province. The temple stands out as the only major Thai Buddhist royal temple in the Phra Pradaeng area, where many other local temples are traditionally Mon Buddhist temples. Because of this, Wat Prodket Chettharam holds a distinct place in the religious and cultural landscape of old Nakhon Khuean Khan.

 

The temple was founded by Phraya Phet Phichai (Ket) in 1822 during the reign of King Rama II. Its history is closely tied to the development of Nakhon Khuean Khan, the digging of Khlong Lat Luang, and the strategic expansion of the Phra Pradaeng area in the early Rattanakosin period. For this reason, the temple is important not only as a religious site but also as part of the broader historical setting of Phra Pradaeng.

 

Local people once referred to the temple as “Wat Pak Khlong” because there had been a pavilion near the mouth of a canal on the northern side of the temple grounds. Later, the formal name “Wat Prodket Chettharam” came into regular use. Although there is no definitive surviving evidence showing exactly when the royal name was granted, it is widely believed that the temple was recognized during the reign of King Rama III, a period strongly associated with temple patronage and construction.

 

The most striking feature of Wat Prodket Chettharam is its architecture. The ordination hall has no chofa or bai raka, which immediately distinguishes it from many other Thai temples. Its pediment is decorated with stucco vine patterns and embedded porcelain, reflecting refined early Rattanakosin craftsmanship. Inside the hall is the principal Buddha image in the Mara-Vijaya posture, cast in metal, which later received the royal name “Phra Phuttha Chinnat Sasada” in 2010.

 

The interior of the ordination hall is also highly unusual. Instead of full-wall murals like those commonly seen in other temples, the walls contain recessed spaces displaying figures of Buddhist disciples, monks, and nuns. Above the doors and windows are framed old paintings in a Western perspective style, creating a three-dimensional visual effect. These rare paintings, along with the temple’s decorative details, make the site especially appealing for visitors interested in temple art and architectural history.

 

The vihara shares a similar architectural style with the ordination hall. Inside is a beautiful reclining Buddha with a graceful face, regarded as one of the temple’s most admired sacred images. The image stretches the full length of the vihara and is another major reason why visitors come to pay respect at this temple. Many worshippers believe that praying here brings peace of mind and spiritual encouragement.

 

Another important feature is the temple’s mandapa, which is roofed with curved tiles and surrounded by Chinese-style pavilions. At the four corners stand prangs, while inside the mandapa are Buddha images in different postures and a replica Buddha footprint. Together, these elements give Wat Prodket Chettharam a visually rich and highly distinctive temple layout.

 

Historically, the temple also served the local community in many practical ways. It functioned not only as a religious center, but also as a place of learning, healing, and social support. This long-standing relationship between temple and community helps explain why Wat Prodket Chettharam remains one of the most meaningful heritage temples in Phra Pradaeng today.

 

Today, the temple continues to welcome worshippers and visitors who come to admire its art, study its history, and experience a calm spiritual atmosphere near Bangkok. It is also known for occasional religious retreats and merit-making activities, making it suitable for both cultural travelers and those seeking a quiet temple visit.

 

Getting There If you start from Wat Phaiyont Phon Sep Ratchaworawihan, turn right onto Songtham Road and continue for about 200 meters. After crossing Khlong Lat Luang Bridge for about 50 meters, Wat Prodket Chettharam will be on the left. This route is convenient for visitors traveling by private car and can easily be combined with other attractions in Phra Pradaeng.

 

 

A: The temple is located on Songtham Road in Song Khanong, Phra Pradaeng District, Samut Prakan Province, just beyond Wat Phaiyont Phon Sep Ratchaworawihan.

 

A: It was built in 1822 during the reign of King Rama II by Phraya Phet Phichai (Ket).

 

A: It is known for its ordination hall without chofa, porcelain-decorated stucco, beautiful reclining Buddha, and rare Western-style perspective paintings.

 

A: The principal image is called “Phra Phuttha Chinnat Sasada,” a metal Buddha image in the Mara-Vijaya posture.

 

A: Phra Kru Wisitthathamrot (Bunsom Thammaroso).

 

A: You can continue to Wat Phaiyont Phon Sep Ratchaworawihan, Phra Pradaeng Market, Sri Nakhon Khuean Khan Park, Bang Nam Phueng Floating Market, and the Erawan Museum.