Description: |
|
Wat Traimit Wittayaram is an ancient temple; however, there is
no evidence showing when it was constructed. Its former name was
Wat Sam Chin Tai. It is located on the west of Hua Lamphong
Railway Station on Charoen Krung Road in Talad Noi Sub-district,
Samphanthawong District, Bangkok.
Legend has it that
there were three temples of Wat Sam Chin; Wat Sam Chin Nuea at
Khlong Bang O opposite to Thewet, Wat Sangwet Witsayaram in Bang
Khun Phrom, and Wat Chotikaram in Mueang District of Nonthaburi
Province. Besides, there is Wat Sam Chin Tai, which refers to
Wat Traimit Wittayaram.
According to the title deed, the
whole area of Wat Traimit Wittayaram covers 14 Rai, 2 Ngan, 31
Square Wah. At present, the temple title deed is kept with the
Religious Affairs Department, Ministry of Education, Bangkok. In
the past, the area around the temple was low land with water
logged; therefore, the land is now renovated with the
establishment of ferro-concrete in all area of the temple. The
temple attaches to Rama IV Road, Traimit Road, Soi Sukorn 1, and
Charoen Krung Road in the north, south, east, and west,
respectively.
The ordination hall houses the principal
Buddha image—Phra Puttha Thotsaphonlayan, the Buddha image in
the attitude of subduing Mara which is made of stucco and gilded
lacquer. Some people call this Buddha image “Luang Phor Toh,”
while some call it “Luang Phor Wat Sam Chin.” A lot of people
use jasmine garlands to take an oath at this temple. King Rama V
once paid homage to this temple and admired its magnificent
Buddha image.
Another important Buddha image of the
temple is Phra Sukhothai Traimit, housed in the image hall. It
is the largest gold Buddha image in the attitude of subduing
Mara and is recorded in the Guinness World Record. This gold
Buddha image is 3.01 meters wide and 3.91 meters tall. It is
also believed to be constructed during Sukhothai period.
The tourists and those who are interested can visit this temple,
which is full of artistic value and enshrines many unique sacred
objects, everyday free of charge. |
|