Wat Suwan

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Operating day: Daily

Operating time: 08.00 - 17.00

Wat Suwan Address: 264 Charoen Nakhon Road, Khlong Ton Sai Subdistrict, Khlong San District, Bangkok 10600

Wat Suwan is a public temple under the Maha Nikaya sect, located in Khlong Ton Sai Subdistrict, Khlong San District, Bangkok. The temple holds historical and cultural significance, showcasing a harmonious blend of Thai and Chinese art. It features an ancient ordination hall and a revered Buddha image over 200 years old.

Originally named Wat Suwann Ubasikaram, the temple was later renamed by Somdet Phra Maha Samana Chao Krom Phraya Vajirananavarorasa for ease of reference. Built in 1782, coinciding with the establishment of the Rattanakosin Kingdom, it is believed to have been constructed by Chinese settlers on the site of an old shrine. The Chinese influence is evident in the architecture of the ordination hall and other artistic elements.

The ordination hall houses the principal Buddha image, believed to have been brought by Chinese settlers from Sukhothai during the temple’s founding. Wat Suwan received its royal boundary demarcation (Wisungkhama Sima) in 1789, signifying its importance during that period.

Structures and Key Features Wat Suwan features several significant structures that reflect its diverse cultural and religious heritage:

- Ordination Hall (Ubosot): The hall enshrines the principal Buddha image from the Sukhothai period. Its interior walls are adorned with stunning murals depicting important stupas and local traditions across Thailand, showcasing the craftsmanship of ancient artisans.

- Viharn of Luang Pho Toraman Kai: This viharn houses a Buddha image in the Paṭikula-manasikāra posture, representing the Buddha’s period of extreme austerity before attaining enlightenment.

- Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva (Guanyin): At the temple entrance, a statue of Guanyin, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, stands as a revered figure for both Thai and Chinese Buddhists.

- Ancient Mondop: This structure contains several historically significant Buddha images. While the mondop is currently closed to visitors, it remains an important repository of cultural and religious artifacts.

Wat Suwan serves not only as a place of worship but also as a testament to the blending of Thai and Chinese cultures, visible in its architecture and religious practices. It is a valuable historical site, offering insights into the artistic and cultural heritage of the Khlong San community.

Visitors can admire the beauty of the ordination hall, murals, and ancient Buddha images up close, making Wat Suwan an ideal destination for those interested in history, architecture, and culture.

This temple is a precious cultural heritage site, deserving of preservation, and continues to serve as a spiritual anchor for Buddhists and the wider community.