Loha Prasart, or the metal castle
Wat Ratchnaratdaram sits close to Democracy monument in the Phra Nakhon district of Bangkok. Often mistaken by its other names (2 of them). This is actually split into two separate buildings within the same grounds.
The temple itself is translated to the temple of the Kings niece and was completed in 1846 under the guidance of King Nangklao or King Rama III.
Built for Somanass Waddhananathy there is a memorial to King Rama III on the grounds. The second building however is the main attraction here.
Built with 3 floors and 5 towers. Encompassing 37 spires. 24 spires are on floor one, 12 on floor 2, one spire sits on the 3rd level. The building rises to 36m or approx 120 feet high.
Sometimes mistaken for a Burmese design it is actually founded on a Sri Lankan Buddhist temple that no longer exists. One was also built in India which also no longer exists and an application was made to Unesco to have it registered as a heritage site. Some 15 years on and as yet that has not been approved. It should be as it is now considered the only building left of its kind that is roofed in broze tiles and is known as a Brazen Roof. It is believed to be the last building to be fully roofed this way.
Roaming its Labyrinth of corridors will have you finding art that explains its origins. The 37 spires represent the 37 virtues of obtaining enlightenment.
Pre Covid there was a Buddha and Amulet market and as we know it is illegal to sell Buddha or his image for monetary gain. The Thai’s do not therefore sell these figures and images, they rent them too you instead thereby conforming to the no sales rule, however as we know leasing or renting is the only real way even for real estate for foreigners and the Thai people are quite clever at mixing religion with sales (sorry rent).
Author: Gary C.
Editor: Katie K.
Photo Credits:
Phatarapol Akarapongmontri Wichitchai Sretakul Gittipong Vray