Wat Suthat Thep Wararam Ratchaworamahawihan

Wat Suthat Thep Wararam Ratchaworamahawihan, commonly known as Wat Suthat, is renowned for its exquisite architectural proportions, considered the most beautiful of the Rattanakosin era. Visitors often come to pay homage to the significant Buddha statues housed within the temple. Additionally, the temple features a royal monument dedicated to King Rama VIII, as it is regarded as the royal temple of his reign. The temple is conveniently located near the Giant Swing, which stands prominently in front of the temple. The Giant Swing is a distinctive landmark that is often associated with Wat Suthat. Inside the main hall, visitors will find Phra Si Sakyamuni, the largest cast Buddha statue in Thailand. This principal Buddha statue in the main hall of Wat Suthat is made of metal, with a width of 3 wa and 1 khuep (approximately 6.2 meters), making it larger than any other cast Buddha statue in the country. The architecture of Wat Suthat Thep Wararam reflects early Rattanakosin art, with some influences from the Ayutthaya period. The temple complex includes the main hall, ordination hall, cloister, and the residence of the Supreme Patriarch, which was once the abode of Somdet Phra Ariyavongsagatayan (Paet Tissadevo), the 12th Supreme Patriarch of the Rattanakosin era. Other structures within the temple include directional pavilions, floating pavilions, and a bell tower. Visitors often experience a sense of tranquility upon entering the temple grounds. The area is clean and visually pleasing, attracting many tourists. People frequently come to meditate, and in the evenings, there are chanting sessions where individuals gather, making the temple a spiritual center for Buddhists who come together naturally.