Wat Phra Kaeo
(Wat Phra Si Rattanasatsadaram), in English called the Temple
of the Emerald Buddha, was built as Royal Wat early in
the reign of King Rama I (reigned 1782-1809), founder of the Chakri
Dynasty, who established Rattanakosin (the inner part of
Bangkok) as the capital of the kingdom in 1782. The Wat, completed
in 1784, occupies its own compound within the Royal Palace area
as did Wat Phra Si Sanphet in the former capital, Ayutthaya.
It is the
most revered temple in the city, but being the royal chapel no
monks reside there. It serves as the center for all religious
rites pertaining to the state and monarchy, such as ordinations
under royal patronage, special ecclesiastical rites, and the
swearing of fealty.
The image
of the Emerald Buddha is regarded by the Thai people as
the palladium of the kingdom, just like statues of Pallas
Athene were regarded as protectors of cities and states in ancient
Greece. King Rama I brought the image from the palace in Thonburi,
the short period former capital on the west bank of the Chao Phaya
River. It was placed in the Main Assembly Hall (Bot) of
the newly-built Royal Chapel and has remained there ever since.
During its
two hundred years history, the chapel has undergone several
renovations, restorations and additions to its edifices.
Extensive restoration and additional construction were carried
out in the reigns of Rama III (reigned 1824-1851) and Rama
IV (Mongkut, reigned 1851-1868). The latter's task was completed
by his son, Rama V (Chulalongkorn, reigned 1868-1910),
in time for the Bangkok centennial celebrations in 1882. Further
renovations were made by Rama VII (Prajadhipok, reigned
1925-1935) on the occasion of the city's 150th anniversary in
1932.
A renovation
of the entire temple was undertaken in the present reign of Rama
IX, King Bhumiphol Adulyadej, to commemorate the Rattanakosin
(Bangkok) bicentenary in 1982. The Royal Chapel thus incorporates
no less than two centuries of Rattanakosin craftsmanship
and artistic ingenuity.
