Wat Benchamabophit

Also known as the Marble Temple or Wat Ben, the Wat Benchamabophit Dusitwanaram gleams in all its glory in the midst of the Dusit district in Bangkok. The name itself signifying “the Monastery of the fifth King near Dusit Palace”, the Wat Benchamabophit was built on the site of an old temple complex that dated back to the 19th century at the request of King Chulalongkorn after he had constructed his royal palaces nearby. It is said that King Chulalongkorn himself was ordained here as a monk for a short time, adding more importance to this beautiful structure, which evokes a sense of serenity in all those who visit it.

A fine specimen of Bangkok’s temple architecture, the style of the temple complies with the stepped-out, multi-tiered roofs, elaborate finials, elegant chofahs, and ornate style of high gables typical of Bangkok temples. Designed by the half-brother of King Chulalongkorn, Prince Narisara Nuvativongse, the temple is built from imported carrara marble all the way from Italy, because of which it gains its name. The four majestic pillars at the entrance to the temple speak of its abundant grandeur and even its spacious courtyard is made of shiny white marble, giving the place a sheen that is hard to ignore. The windows of the temple are composed of white marble and gold, which makes them shimmer in daylight. In the Ordination Hall, the majestic statue of Buddha sits in the Mara position, done in the image of Chinnarat, which is a picture of serenity in itself. Under this beautiful statue lie the ashes of King Rama V.

Outside of the Ubosot, one finds many radiant Buddha statues, 52 in total from various periods of time, rendered in a variety of dynastic styles from the Sukhothai, Ayutthaya, and Dvaravati empires style, also in many mudras. However, the gold-on-white motifs, red carpets, walls painted like stained glass windows as well as the royal blue wall behind the Buddha statue are all reminiscent of a European palace, bearing witness to the King’s strong fascination with the west. The grounds surrounding the temple make for an enchanting escape away from it all. Even for those whose interests do not lie in religious artefacts, a walk through these beautiful gardens amongst the ponds overflowing with lotuses and water lilies and charming Chinese-styled foot bridges would be a blissful encounter.

Sukhumvit accommodation will not be a problem while visiting this mesmerizing site since there are plenty of Bangkok serviced apartments scattered across the board. A recommended hotel preferred by many would be the Anantara Baan Rajprasong Bangkok lending you a comfortable place to lodge in while you delve deep into the fascinating history that this city has within its embrace. Keep an evening aside for this wondrously calming temple and let your cares slip away as you sit back and soak in the grandeur-infused tranquillity that this place has in plenty.

Jayani Senanayake is a writer who dabbles in travel and all things exotic. Under the pseudonym of Caliope Sage, she writes of the allures that must simply be discovered.

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