Pay homage to Luang Pho To (Sam Por Kong)

🏘 Wat Kalayanamit Woramahawihan was originally a village where Chinese monks resided, known as "Kudi Chin Village." Chao Phraya Nikornbodin (To Kalayanamit) dedicated his house and nearby land to establish the temple in 1825 and offered it as a royal temple. 🙏🏽 During the reign of King Rama III, the temple was named Wat Kalayanamit. The king constructed the main hall and enshrined a large Buddha statue named Phra Phuttha Trairattanayok, or Luang Pho To, intending to replicate the old capital where a large Buddha statue was located outside the city walls, similar to Wat Phanan Choeng Worawihan. 🙏🏽 Luang Pho To is highly revered, especially among the Chinese community, who call it "Sam Por Hud Kong" or "Sam Por Kong." It is a stucco Buddha statue in the Mara Vichaya posture. 🏠 The ordination hall houses a Buddha statue in the Palilayaka posture, also constructed by King Rama III. It is one of only two temples in Bangkok with the principal Buddha statue in this posture. The interior features murals depicting the Buddha's life and the lifestyle of people during King Rama III's reign. 🛖 The Hor Phra Tham Montien Thaleung Phra Kiat houses the Tripitaka scriptures from the reign of King Rama IV. 🏚 The sermon hall, or small vihara, resembles the ordination hall and enshrines a principal Buddha statue in the Mara Vichaya posture. This large bronze statue is a blend of Sukhothai art with a modified face from King Rama III's era, characterized by a rounded, oval-like face. 🗼 The bell tower contains the largest bell in Thailand. ♨️ Wat Kalayanamit Woramahawihan: No. 371, Soi Arun Amarin 6, Wat Kalayan Subdistrict, Thonburi District, Bangkok. 🎯 Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/5TCeRaNg727KHxEL6 🕖 Opening hours: 07:00 – 17:00.