Wat Rajabopit Sathitmahasimaram
Rajaworavihara ( Wat Rajabopit )
is situated between Fuang Nakhon Road and Usadang Road ( Khlong
Ku Muang Derm Road ), near the Ministry of Interior. King Rama V
ordered its construction in 1969.
The phra ubosot, phra chedi and phra
vihara have curving walls that are covered with beautiful glazed
colored tiles. The doors to the phra ubosot and phra vihara are
inlaid with mother of pearl, the work of master craftsmen.
In the temple there are eight stone
pillars each surmounted with a covering of the Buddhist Wheel of
Law (Dhammachak), one of each of the eight directions, hence the
name "Mahasimaram" (Great Boundary Pillars). On the gate
shutters of the temple are carved soldier of the Corps of Royal
Pages attired in European - style uniforms instead of traditional
dresses. On the entering of temple compound of the front entrance
the phra ubosot, phra chedi and phra vihara can be seen raised above
ground level on a platform.
The exterior of the phra ubosot is
constructed in the Thai style. Inside the design is partly European
and partly Thai. It was decorated by M.C. Prawit Chumsai. On the
gable there is carving of a seven - headed elephant holding up a
tray containing a royal seal. The doors are inlaid with mother of
pearl design depicting the various royal decorations, the craftsmenship
of Prince Thiwakornwongprawat.
With in temple ground on the Usdang
Road side there is a royal cemetery which was ordered constructed
by King Rama V to make merit for his mother, wives, sons and daughters.
It consists of several repositories for royal remains in the form
of chedi, prang, and European - style building. These are set in
a small garden, which is open to the public.
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