When
King Taksin and his army reached this place to build his new capital Thonburi,
after defeating the Burmese who had sacked Ayutthaya, he arrived at dawn. He
renamed the monastery he found there Wat Jaeng- Jaeng meaning "clear", "bright"
and
Construction of the tall prang and four smaller ones was started by King Rama
II 1809-1824 and completed by King Rama III (1824-1851). The
towers are supported by rows of demos and monkeys. Very steep and narrow steps
lead to a balcony high on the central tower. The circumference of the base
of the structure is 234 meters, and the central prang is 250 foot high.
The
monastery has existed for many years since the days when Ayutthaya was capital
of Thailand. It was then named Wat Mokok, situated in a place called Tumbol
Bangmakok. The word Bangmakok, meaning " Village of Olive", has since been
shortened to " Makok".
and two fine giants, " Yuk Wat Jaeng," mortal enemies of the " Yuk Wat Po" across
the river.
Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn,
is one of Bangkok's best know landmark. It stands on the west bank of the
Chao Phraya River in Thon Buri. Wat Arun is best seen from the opposite bank
of the river; it glistens in the sunlight during the day and stands dark and
noble at dawn or dusk. A visit to the beautiful, peaceful monastery complex
surrounding the familiar towers is very worth-while. These towers, the "Phra
Prang," although best known, the only part of Wat Arun. It also contains narrow
lanes; elegant, old white buildings; shrines, pools of turtles;
The towers of Wat Arun
are built of brick covered with stucco. The decorations are unique; thousands
of pieces of multicolored Chinese porcelain. In niches in the central tower
are green figures of the God Indra seated on Erawan, the traditional Thai three-headed
elephant. Niches in the smaller towers contain figures of the Moon God, on a
white horse. The trident of Shiva extends from the top of each tower.
The
central balcony commands an impressive view of Bangkok across the river. From
here one can see the Grand palace, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the
spacious Wat Po.
Wat Arun figures in one
of Thailand's most colorful festival, the Royal Tod Kathin. Then His Majesty
the King travels down the river in a procession of Royal barges to present new
robes to the monks after their three-month lent period.
