2. History
• Built in the days of Thailand’s ancient Capital of
Ayutthaya (Known as Wat Makok -> Olive Temple)
• After Thonburi became capital, King Taksin changed
name of Wat to Wat Chaeng.
• Temple had an Emerald Buddha recaptured from Laos
but was moved to Wat Phra Kaew in 1784.
• King Rama II enlarged the central prang and changed
the name of Wat to Wat Arunratchatharam
• The work was finished by King Rama III and King Rama
IV gave the temple its full name (Wat
Arunratchawararam ->Temple of Dawn.)
4. Architecture
• Height of Central Prang: 66.8 to 86 meters
• Prang in the central of Wat – Age from Ayutthaya (topped with
seven-pronged trident)
• Four smaller satellite prangs around the central prang (directions)
• Prangs decorated by seashells and porcelain – used as ballest by
boats coming to Bangkok from China.
• Around base of prang – Chinese soldiers and animals
• Second terrace – four statues of Hindu god (Indra) riding on Erawan
• Next to prangs is Ordination hall with Niramitr Buddha image which
was decorated by King Rama II
• In front of Wat – 2 demons or temple guardian figures
5. Mythology
• Prang symbolizes Mount Meru of Indian
cosmology.
• Satellite Prang – wind god (Phra Prai)
• The demon (In Thai is called Yaksha) at the
entranceway are from ramakien.
White figure – Sahassa Deja
Green figure – Thotsakan (demon Ravana
from Ramayana)
